Closed captioning still needed when words are on the screen?

Aug 03, 2023

Does anyone know what best practices are when it comes to a basic course or presentation?  If the EXACT text on the screen is being narrated, is it required to provide closed captioning? 

If the voiceover deviates from the words on the screen, I would say you would probably need to provide closed captioning, but what if it doesn't? The voiceover is just to add effect to the training, but the information would still be the same if it were not narrated. 

1 Reply
Pierre Sosa

I believe this relates to how compliant you want to be. I'd have to dig it up again, but it is my memory that WCAG A permits exact transcript, while WCAG AA wants captions for timed audio (so if you have pictures moving on and off screen in time, or if you have video of people talking).

I caption the bells and buzzers for (in)correct answer submissions.

If it is just an effect, you might be able to add a caption like "spooky whispers from the graveyard" or "Hustle and bustle of the busy city", rather than noting every "boo" or "honk".