Overview
Basic, descriptive, and indexed transcripts are text-based documents for speech in an audio track. Transcripts provide a media alternative for people with hearing loss. Basic transcripts are adequate for speech-only presentations, such as podcasts. A descriptive transcript is required for an audio track with a visual presentation that conveys essential content and the visual elements are not live action, animation, or decorative for those people who are deaf-blind. At Orbis, we do not provide audio description, and therefore, are not likely to provide descriptive transcripts. Instead we may provide an indexed transcript that references the slide number or includes an image of the slide.
Transcripts are not an equivalent substitution for captions to a video because the words separate from the moving images may lose meaning and the non-speech elements are lost. However, for videos of an instructor talking to the camera with no other visuals (for example, a simple welcome message), an accessible basic or indexed transcript may be adequate to meet some accommodation requests.
Orbis-Produced Audio Files
For Orbis-created content (for example, learning objects), we will provide transcripts as appropriate. If you produce an audio file, it is recommended you first create a script and follow it as you record the audio. If you deviate from your script, be sure to correct so it matches the audio track. Transcription of the file can be done in house by either the ELD team for recordings 20 minutes or less in length or sent out to a third-party service depending on the use case of the audio.
This policy applies to captioning video as well. For more information on captions, see
Captioning Guidelines.
Request a transcript by submitting a
ticket to the ELD team for files under 20 minutes or by submitting a
request to the QA team for files over 20 minutes. Allow ample time for the request to be met. Last-minute requests cannot be guaranteed unless they are a student accommodation request.
Content recorded by the SME, faculty member, or instructor is considered partner-produced audio and, therefore, the responsibility of the partner to provide transcripts.
Partner-Produced Audio Files
The Orbis Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) states the expectation that SMEs and faculty will comply with Orbis and partner accessibility requirements. The ACR is part of the accessibility expectations Orbis executive leadership reviews with all partners.
Orbis Best Practices regarding course design and the Orbis
ADA Compliance Checklist describe Orbis requirements for recorded audio lectures. This includes creating lectures of an appropriate length and content, as well as providing a transcript following their institution or department ADA compliance guidelines.
For partner-created material (for example course lectures), Orbis does not provide the transcript files. Partner-created materials should be supported by partner resources. If you are unsure, please talk to your department leadership for guidance.
At this time, Orbis does support student accommodation requests as needed. These decisions are made by executive leadership in collaboration with the partner.
Working With Faculty
If you are working with a faculty member creating their own audio content, refer them to their university resources for assistance with transcription. This includes any audio content the SME or instructor creates during course design and development, updates, or revisions.