Video and audio content are widely used at GRCC to support learning, communication and engagement. To ensure everyone can access this content, videos and audio must be created and shared with accessibility in mind. Many accessibility practices benefit all users — not just those who use accommodations.
Captions
Captions provide a text version of spoken audio along with important non-speech sounds, synchronized with the video. Captions are required for accessibility and are essential for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. They also support users who are learning English, processing information in multiple ways, watching without sound or viewing content in noisy environments.
GRCC’s Audiovisual Captioning Policy 3.8 requires that audiovisual media used for instruction, training, campus-sponsored events and co-curricular activities include captions or transcription in an appropriate format. This may include closed or open captions, real-time captions, interactive transcription or subtitles, depending on how the content is delivered.
All GRCC-created video content should include accurate captions, whether the video is live or recorded. Captions should be reviewed to ensure they correctly reflect the spoken content. If you have concerns or questions about captioning at GRCC, please contact Captioning Services at caption@grcc.edu.
Subtitles
Subtitles are used to translate spoken content into another language. While captions focus on accessibility, subtitles focus on language access. Some video platforms use the terms interchangeably, so it’s important to confirm that captions include both spoken dialogue and meaningful sounds when accessibility is required.
Audio Description
Audio description provides spoken explanations of important visual information that is not otherwise conveyed through audio. This supports people who are blind or have low vision and helps ensure the full message of the video is accessible. Audio description should be included when visuals are necessary to understand the content.
Audio description is a time-intensive process and, depending on the length and quantity of files, may take many days to fulfill. Audio described media lengthens the time it takes to play through a clip because it has additional pauses and narration. GRCC uses a third party to provide audio description of recorded files. We do not provide audio description of live events. If you have content you need audio-described, please email media@grcc.edu.
Transcripts
Transcripts are text-based versions of audio or video content and serve as an alternative to watching or listening. Transcripts benefit people who are deaf-blind, users who rely on Braille or text-based access and anyone with limited bandwidth or technical challenges. A complete transcript should include spoken content and descriptions of important visual information.
Accessible Media Players
Accessible media players support captions, audio description and keyboard navigation, and work well with assistive technologies. Media players should have clear controls, sufficient color contrast and labels that can be read by screen readers.
At GRCC, using standard players provided by platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, Canvas and Panopto generally results in a more accessible experience. When selecting tools, prioritize platforms that support accessibility features by default and avoid custom players that may introduce barriers.