Forum Discussion
Only audio file as visible to screen readers?
Hello,
I'm currently updating courses that have audio files on every slide. The audio files repeat the text on the slide and add additional information. There are images on the slides, too, that are there for decorative purposes. I am wondering if there is a best practice about what objects remain visible to screen readers in that case? I'm inclined to think the audio should be the only item that remains visible.
I’d say best practice is the reverse of what you suggest. If I was creating it I'd go the other way on this. Keep the slide text visible to screen readers and hide only the decorative images. Deaf-blind users relying on Braille display can't access audio at all, and audio can't be skimmed or navigated the way text can. Autoplaying narration also talks over screen reader speech (WCAG 1.4.2), so make sure it can be paused. You mention your audio adds information beyond the slide text, that extra content needs a text form too, captions or a notes transcript (1.2.1).
2 Replies
I’d say best practice is the reverse of what you suggest. If I was creating it I'd go the other way on this. Keep the slide text visible to screen readers and hide only the decorative images. Deaf-blind users relying on Braille display can't access audio at all, and audio can't be skimmed or navigated the way text can. Autoplaying narration also talks over screen reader speech (WCAG 1.4.2), so make sure it can be paused. You mention your audio adds information beyond the slide text, that extra content needs a text form too, captions or a notes transcript (1.2.1).
I understand. Thank you for the information. And, yep-the audio will be able to be paused.
