Images and Video
Images and videos have historically been inaccessible to some users. To ensure anyone can access a photo or video in a similar way, alternative text, closed captions and transcripts need to be provided.
Please review the guidelines below and integrate them in your workflow.
Who is responsible?
Anyone who utilizes images, video or audio in their work at MCC must ensure it is WCAG 2.1 AA compliant.
Tools for Accessibility
Alternative text generators, closed caption generators, UDOIT for Canvas, etc.
Image, Video & Audio Best Practices
Alternative (Alt) Text
Alt Text provides a short description for people who cannot see, access, or process the original image. Every image, graphic, or logo in digital content should include alt text. Best practices include:
Ensure alt text is accurate. AI generated alt text is a good starting point, but typically will require revisions.
Most alt text cannot exceed 150 characters, so keep it short and to the point.
Make sure alt text communicates the purpose of the image.
For example, an image of two MCC students in the Library used on the website as a header image could say:
Two MCC students standing in the Montcalm Community College Library
The same photograph being used to show off the renovations in the Library could say:
Two MCC students standing in front of the new wood bookcases in the Montcalm Community College Library.
Do not include "image of" in front of your alt text. A screen reader will already notify the listener that they're going to hear alt text for an image.
If you're providing a detailed caption or information in text surrounding the image, keep the alt text simple.
Captions for Video
Captions provide visual representation of talking and other sounds within a video. Pre-recorded videos and live videos must have a closed caption option available. Best practices include:
Many video creation and editing platforms now offer auto generated captions. While this are a helpful starting point, they typically need edits and adjustments.
Check for spelling and grammar errors and edit as needed.
Include the names of speakers if there are multiple within a video. Do this by including the speaker name in parentheses before the caption begins.
Add captions for other sounds and music as needed. For example, if music is playing from 1:15-1:30, make sure within the captions there is text that reads (instrumental music playing) from 1:15-1:30.
Ensure the captions are in sync with the video.
If possible, make sure the captions are not covering important information within the video.
Live video captions connot be edited easily during a live presentation, but a closed caption option must be available for viewers.
Audio Transcripts
Audio transcripts provide a stable text version of audio or video content. These are helpful for people who are hard of hearing, deaf, or those who have difficulty processing auditory information understand recorded audio content. Best practices include:
If your audio player does not provide captions, you must provide a transcript.
Many media players will auto generate a transcript (MCC's voicemail system, teams audio messages). Make sure the auto-generated version is accurate with correct spelling and grammer.
Include the names of speakers if there are multiple within a audio file. Do this by including the speaker name in parentheses before the caption begins.