If you manage a large volume of digital video, it may be hard to know when and what to caption first. This table can help you to get started and to prioritize your captioning efforts.
The recommendations in this table apply to live (synchronous) and recorded (asynchronous) events. In all cases, the group that hosts the content is responsible for captioning. Keep in mind that people are not required to disclose a disability in order to receive accessible content, products, and services; for an inclusive experience, you should provide captions for all live and recorded video.
| Priority | Scenario | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Critical |
Media content is included in a current accommodation request from a person who requires captioning. Media content is to be used in a course, training, or program where one or more participants are known to require captioning. Media is required for participation in any course, training, or program where one or more participants may require captioning. Media content is public-facing or available to a large audience outside the University. |
If the content is an academic course requirement, contact Student Disability Services. If the content is required for employment, contact Faculty/Staff Disability Services. Public-facing media should always be captioned. |
| High |
Media content is required for use in a large on-campus course or program. Media will be used in more than one course section, program, or other context, or will be made available for an extended amount of time (e.g., in more than one course or for more than one semester). |
Large courses are more likely to include a person who requires an accommodation. The likelihood of someone in your audience requiring an accommodation increases with time and exposure. |
| Medium |
Media has been purchased or otherwise licensed from a third-party, is not captioned, and does not meet any of the criteria listed above. |
Work with the vendor to obtain a captioned version. |
| Upon request |
Media is not current, widely available, or in wide use, but is available via your media archive. |
Caption archived media upon request. Caption frequently accessed archived materials. |
| Helpful |
Media is provided for a limited time, as a review option for face-to-face course sessions, to a known audience, and you have verified that there is no accommodation need. |
Captioning as a courtesy may benefit your audience in a variety of ways, even if it is not required. |