Definition for WCAG 2.0 success criterion 1.2.5
1.2.5 Audio descriptions (Prerecorded): Audio description is provided for all prerecorded video content in synchronized media.
An audio description is a specifically made audio track which, in addition to the regular audio elements of the media presentation, describes any meaningful visual aspects of the synchronized media presentation - this includes visible text, key visual elements such as graphics superimposed over a video (e.g. an arrow pointing to a UI element or a box around a group of UI elements), actions taking place in a video, or animations in an animated SVG diagram. This can be provided in various forms, ranging from an alternative audio track that a user can enable, a separate video file (in the case of a self-contained audio/video presentation), or a completely separate page with the synchronized media presentation which incorporates the audio description.
For a good example of audio description, see YouTube: MSFTEnable - Introduction to Disability and Accessibility (audio described version), which includes audio description in the natural pauses of the regular narration track in the segments between 3:26 and 11:10.
Note: If all the visual information in a synchronized media presentation (such as a video) is provided as part of the regular audio track, no additional audio description is necessary. In this case, or if the page itself contains no synchronized media presentation, this criterion is marked as not applicable.
Note: The difference between this criterion and 1.2.3 Audio description or media alternative (prerecorded) (level A) is that 1.2.3 allows for either an audio description or another media alternative (such as a transcript), while 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) (level AA) can only be passed if an audio description is used.
Testing success criterion 1.2.5
Input into spreadsheet
- Fail
- Time-based media does not have an adequate audio description. Record the nature of the failure:
- An audio description is not provided for all synchronized media presentations present.
- The audio description is not accurate and does not includes a description of all meaningful visual aspects of the synchronized media presentation.
- The audio description is not correctly synchronized with the visual aspects of the synchronized media presentation.
- Pass
-
- An audio description is provided for all synchronized media presentations.
- The audio description is accurate and includes a description of all meaningful visual aspects of the synchronized media presentation.
- The audio description is correctly synchronized with the visual aspects of the synchronized media presentation.
- N/A
- The sample has no time-based media that requires an audio description.
How to test
- Manually verify that an audio description of all meaningful visual aspects of the synchronized media presentation is provided.
- Verify that the alternative for time-based media or audio description is accurate and includes a description of all meaningful visual aspects of the synchronized media presentation. This includes any information / text shown at the beginning and end of the presentation (such as title sequences, credits, production notes, copyright notices).
- Verify that the audio description is correctly synchronized with the visual aspects of the synchronized media presentation.
In the following screenshot, an audio description describes animations that are being drawn on the screen to annotate Laura's desire to be an actor.
