ARCHIVED: Accessibility information for podcasters

This content has been archived, and is no longer maintained by Indiana University. Information here may no longer be accurate, and links may no longer be available or reliable.

On this page:


Accessibility issues

For users who are blind: Visual podcast content is inaccessible to users who are blind. If there is content-rich information presented via video without audio describing the information conveyed by the video content, this information will not be accessible by individuals who are blind or have low vision. Podcast providers should provide an audio description of information that is provided only by the video. For example, if a video podcast shows a science experiment combining vinegar and baking soda, an audio description should explain the ensuing eruption. With no explanation, users who are blind or have low vision would not have access to the video content available to sighted users.

For users who are deaf or hard of hearing: While a sighted user who is deaf or hard of hearing will be able to view and understand visual content, all audio podcast content is inaccessible to these users. Therefore, all video podcasts should include accompanying captions or a transcription of the audio content. Captions should play in sync with the podcast, and transcripts should be available from the same web source offering the podcast.

Make your podcast accessible

To make your podcast highly accessible, make sure you include:

  • Transcripts for audio podcasts for hearing-impaired audiences
  • Captions in video podcasts for hearing-impaired audiences, making sure that captions are appropriately synchronized
  • Audio descriptions of visual content that conveys important information in video podcasts for visually impaired audiences

Podcasting accessibility resources at IU

Indiana University podcast providers who are interested in creating accessible podcasts, and students who need podcasts modified so they can use them, should contact the Assistive Technology and Accessibility Centers (ATAC) at IU Bloomington and IUPUI. The ATACs serve individuals with disabilities and create many types of alternate media to meet the needs of those with vision, hearing, mobility, and cognitive needs. In addition to rendering a wide variety of print materials in an accessible format, the ATACs can assist with creation of podcasts in an accessible format in response to user need. Additionally, they can assist podcast creators wishing to include accessible features in their podcasts.

Additional IU resource centers include:

This is document awuz in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2021-06-07 15:40:35.