Accessible videos

There are three steps to creating accessible video content that complies with the accessibility regulations. These are:

All new marketing videos on the University of Derby website need to have closed captions and full transcripts. You do not have to produce an audio-described version of a marketing video unless this is requested specifically by a user.

If you are producing video for other University platforms, you will need to have closed captions and a full transcript, but you may also need to provide a version of your video with synchronised audio description.

Closed captions

Closed captions are similar to subtitles but include more information. Subtitles are a text version of what is said in a video. Closed captions include what is said, who said it and also any important sounds that provide context for a hearing impaired user.

Closed captions need to be embedded in a video before the video is added to a University of Derby webpage in a media embed. We have created full guidance on how to use YouTube to produce your closed captions.

Transcript

Every video uploaded to the University of Derby website needs to have a transcript. A transcript is a text description of everything important that happens in the video.

You will use your closed captions as the basis for your transcript. This will give you all the dialogue and information and important sounds. What you will also need to add to your transcript is any important visual information that provides context for a visually impaired user.

You add your video transcript in the media embed in Terminal Four. We have created full guidance on how to produce your transcripts.

Audio description

Audio description adds additional audio content (narration) to a video to benefit blind and visually impaired users. It provides information about key visual elements not described already in the main dialogue/narration. These key visual elements can be descriptions of people, changes in the scene or location, or on-screen text. Audio description should be synchronised to the video (ie timed to coincide with the visual changes).

We include all this visual information in our video transcripts (which can be read by a screen reader) but synchronised audio description may be required for some videos on some University of Derby platforms. This content can be provided via a second version of the video or a second audio track (depending on the video platform). We have provided additional guidance on how to produce audio description, including examples.

Additional information

When creating video content, we need to ensure that we plan correctly and understand the steps required to create engaging and accessible messages for our audiences. The following information will assist you:

Displayable 'notice of filming'

During this time, we are capturing film footage and photography for various marketing channels and publications, such as press, social media, our website, printed materials, Youtube. By your presence in this area, you acknowledge that you have been informed that you may feature in some of this footage and grant your permission. 

Please be aware that photography will include flash. 

If you have any concerns or do not wish to be included, please let a member of staff know, or the photographer/videographer in the moment. 

We thank you for your co-operation. 

If you require further advice, please contact Ryan O'Riordan before you set to work. Our Video Guidelines reference a 'kit of parts' which Ryan can also help with. Email r.oriordan@derby.ac.uk.