Multimedia

Overview

Accessible multimedia ensures that users who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, low vision, or who cannot use a mouse can still fully understand and interact with the content.

*The TLT is awaiting direction from the university on the level of accessibility we should aim to. For now, consider these best practices. Then, consider for now ensuring at a minimum all of your media has at least machine captions. We have the tools to do that, and it's not difficult or time consuming. See below.

Best Practices for Accessible Multimedia

1. Captions

Provide accurate, synchronized captions for all spoken content and important sounds.
Ensure captions identify speakers when unclear.
Avoid auto-generated captions without editing.

2. Transcripts

Offer a full text transcript for audio and video.
Include descriptions of important visuals (e.g., “[shows chart with rising trend]”).
Transcripts benefit not only deaf/hard-of-hearing users but also anyone who prefers to read or search content.

3. Audio Descriptions

Add audio description for essential visual details (charts, diagrams, on-screen actions) not explained in dialogue.
If making new content, design with accessibility in mind by describing visuals within the narration.

4. Player Controls

Use an accessible media player with keyboard access and screen reader support.
Ensure controls are labeled (e.g., play, pause, volume, captions).

5. Avoid Auto-Play

Do not auto-play video or audio.
If auto-play is required, provide a clear, accessible way to pause or stop.

6. Flashing/Animation

Avoid flashing content that may trigger seizures (no more than 3 flashes per second).
Give users control over
Below are a few quick notes, and not intended as a comprehensive guide.

7. File & Format Choices

Provide multimedia in formats widely supported across devices.
Ensure caption files (e.g., .vtt, .srt) are included and compatible.

Sharing Videos & Captioning

Panopto

✅The Panopto video platform is our recommended tool for all uploaded multimedia in Canvas such as recorded lectures. The player provides an easy way to embed or link videos, auto machine captions videos, and has great player features such as speed adjusting, chapters, and keyword searches.

Furthermore, though Zoom cloud recordings also provide captions and is fine for sharing, please keep in mind that cloud recordings are only saved for 90 days. Panopto files are available for 5 years. UW offers a Panopto Zoom Integration as an option as well whereby your future Zoom recordings will automatically be saved in Panopto if you want to continue recording in Zoom cloud and not have to individually upload Zoom recordings to Panopto.

❌ The Canvas Multimedia Tool is discouraged as it does not auto machine caption and is not a good video player. If your site has uploaded multimedia using the Canvas tool, we strongly recommend re-uploading to Panopto.