Benefits of Audio Transcription to Accessibility

In this article we will examine how audio transcription is prepared, and see how it can benefit accessibility.

What is Audio Transcription?

Audio transcription is the process of representing recorded oral text into written format. In this process, the transcriptionist (the person doing the transcription) plays an audio file on a specific player. Examples of audio files include recorded conferences, interviews, and podcasts. The transcriptionist then listens to the audio file and types into a text editor everything the speaker in the recording would say. The amount of omitted words and modifications depends on the rules set by the transcriptionists and their clients. Once the entire audio file is transcribed, the transcriptionist would then proofread the text transcript and submit it to the client.

Benefits of Audio Transcription to Accessibility

Audio transcription provides a number of benefits to web accessibility. Below are the groups who would benefit most from audio transcription:

Blind and Visually Impaired Persons

Generally, blind and visually impaired Internet users can access and listen to audio files uploaded on websites. Most if not all blind and visually impaired individuals make use of screen readers, screen magnification systems and other similar assistive software. However, providing a text transcript of audio files enables them to navigate through sections of the content more efficiently, provided that the transcript is well structured.

Text transcripts also provide a way to examine the spelling of words and sentence construction of the recorded content. This benefits not only blind and visually impaired people but everyone who would access the transcript.

Persons with Hearing Impairment

Audio files in general are not accessible for people with hearing impairment. Having a text transcript of the recorded content in your site will enable this group to access and understand the information found in the audio file.

Persons with Cognitive Disabilities

Many people with cognitive disabilities prefer to read web content instead of listening to it. Ensuring that your audio content has an equivalent text transcript helps them access the information they would otherwise overlook.

Other Groups of Internet Users

Audio transcription also benefits people without disabilities. Text transcripts of audio content help those with slow Internet connection. Rather than downloading the entire audio content, they can simply access the text. This prevents them from waiting for a long time to access the information they need.
The same thing can be said with mobile Internet users.

Other Benefits

A text transcript is useful in an event where the website experiences technical difficulty and users cannot access the audio content. This guarantees that information is still available regardless of such unexpected occurrences.

Conclusion

In addition to an alternative means of providing information, audio transcription can also enhance the accessibility of content in your website. Text transcripts can greatly improve the browsing experience of blind and visually impaired people, persons with hearing impairment, and individuals with cognitive impairment.

Even Grounds Can Help You Provide These Benefits

Even Grounds provides audio transcription services for companies planning to have text transcripts of their audio materials. Visit our audio transcription services page to learn more.