Among other human rights, people with disabilities are also entitled to accessibility, especially in this digital era where communication is done primarily through the internet and related media. It ensures that such individuals are equally participative and included in society.
One tool that helps improve accessibility is transcription, and it involves converting audio and video information to readable text. Transcription services provide accurate and comprehensive transcripts that can be used by individuals with hearing loss, visual impairments, cognitive disabilities, and other accessibility needs to access information and participate in various domains of life.
International agreements and national laws both regard accessibility as a fundamental human right. Accessible places and services encourage inclusion, diversity, and equity, resulting in a more inclusive and equitable society. With a growing global population of disabled people, accessibility has become an important part of social duty and ethical consideration.
This article explores the significance of transcription in enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities.
Understanding disability
It is common to use the term “disability” to refer to those who have difficulties participating in activities or in society due to a physical, mental, sensory, or cognitive impairment. Problems with vision, hearing, mobility, or neurodevelopment, as well as persistent physical or mental health issues, fall under this category. It is estimated that 15% of the world’s population, or more than a billion people, are handicapped in some form.
Physical access to buildings and transportation, communication barriers, a lack of or poorly adjusted accommodations in the workplace and educational settings, societal attitudes and stigma, and social marginalization are just some of the difficulties and problems that people with disabilities face on a daily basis.
Reduced opportunities for education, work, health care, social participation, and overall quality of life may result from such problems.
The term “accessibility” refers to the creation and distribution of goods, services, environments, and data that may be utilized and appreciated by everyone, regardless of physical ability. Its goal is to make sure that everyone, regardless of physical or mental limitations, may take part in all facets of society on an equal footing. Physical environment, digital and ICT, transportation, communication, services, and attitudes are all included in the broader concept of accessibility.
Improving access is not just the right thing to do from a social justice and human rights perspective, but also makes economic and practical sense. Everyone in society gains when barriers are removed and places and services are made accessible, not only those with physical impairments.
Barriers faced by people with disabilities in accessing information
A. Physical impediments
- Stairs, narrow doorways, and inaccessible walkways are examples of environmental obstacles that limit or impede access.
- Lack of appropriate accommodations, such as ramps, elevators, or tactile signage, for people with mobility impairments.
B. Sensory barriers
- Limitations in perceiving information through visual, auditory, or other sensory channels, such as lack of alternative formats for people with visual or hearing disabilities.
- Inaccessible media, such as videos, audios, or websites without captions, transcripts, or alternative text, for people with visual or hearing disabilities.
C. Cognitive barriers
- Challenges in processing, comprehending, or retaining information, such as complex language, technical jargon, or information overload, for people with cognitive disabilities.
- Lack of cognitive accessibility features, such as plain language, clear formatting, or visual aids, for people with cognitive disabilities.
D. Communication barriers
- Difficulties in expressing or receiving information, such as speech impairments, language barriers, or lack of sign language interpretation, for people with speech or hearing disabilities.
- Inaccessible communication methods, such as lack of alternative communication systems, visual or tactile aids, or accessible technology, for people with communication disabilities.
Overview of transcription services as a tool for promoting accessibility
Transcription services are a powerful tool for enhancing accessibility. They entail translating spoken words into written text, enhancing accessibility of audio and video content for people with hearing loss or other disabilities as well as those who prefer to read information. A wide number of industries, including but not limited to business, media, entertainment, and government, can benefit from transcription services. The following are some major advantages of transcription services for improving accessibility.
Inclusion of those who have hearing loss
People with hearing loss have the option to access audio and video content that they might not otherwise be able to do so fully thanks to transcription services. By providing accurate and comprehensive transcriptions, individuals with hearing impairment can read and understand the content in written form, ensuring they do not miss out on valuable information.
Improved comprehension for non-native speakers and individuals with cognitive disabilities
Transcription services also benefit non-native speakers and individuals with cognitive disabilities. Written text allows them to read and review the content at their own pace, aiding in comprehension and understanding. Transcriptions provide an additional layer of support for individuals who may struggle with language or cognitive challenges.
Searchability and reference
Transcriptions make content easily searchable and referenceable. Users can quickly search for specific keywords or phrases in a transcript, allowing them to locate and review relevant information efficiently. This feature is particularly useful in educational settings, where students can search for specific topics or keywords in lecture transcriptions, or in business settings, where employees can reference important information from meeting transcriptions.
Adaptability in taking in content
The flexibility with which material may be consumed is expanded via transcriptions. Transcriptions can be read on any platform, including desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones, at the user’s convenience. This paves the way for consumers to get media in whichever way best suits their needs.
Observance of accessibility regulations
Many countries have legal standards for online accessibility, educational materials, and media content, among other things. Transcription services, which provide accurate transcriptions of audio and video content, can assist enterprises in meeting these accessibility criteria.
Improved user experience
There is great potential for transcriptions to improve the usability of audio and video content. Users will have an easier time keeping up with the material, making notes, and going back over them afterwards. As a result, interaction and memory retention may improve.
Example of transcription services in different settings
Education
- Transcription services for classroom lectures and debates: Students with hearing impairments can have access to spoken information by having classroom lectures and conversations transcribed into written text.
- Video and audio courses presented online can be transcribed into text for students with hearing or cognitive impairments so that they can review the material at their own speed and with greater comprehension.
- Transcription services for educational videos: Transcribing educational videos into written text can provide students with visual disabilities access to spoken content, as well as descriptions of visual elements, making the videos more inclusive and accessible.
Workplace
- Transcription services for meetings and presentations: Transcribing meetings and presentations into written text can ensure that employees with hearing disabilities can fully participate and understand the discussions, as well as review the information later.
- Transcription services for training sessions and workshops: Transcribing training sessions and workshops into written text can facilitate learning for employees with hearing or cognitive disabilities, allowing them to refer to the content and reinforce their understanding.
- Transcription services for workplace announcements and communications: Transcribing workplace announcements, memos, and other communications into written text can ensure that employees with hearing or cognitive disabilities can access the information and stay informed.
Entertainment
Services that transcribe audio-visual media into text format allow people with hearing impairments to follow along with their favorite shows and movies without missing a beat. Services for the transcription of films and TV shows so that those who are deaf or hard of hearing may follow along with the dialogue and get the full experience.
Live transcription services assist people with hearing loss access the spoken word and those with cognitive disabilities better grasp what is being said at events like conferences, seminars, and concerts.
Accessibility for those with hearing or cognitive impairments, as well as improved searchability and navigation for all users, can be achieved through the use of transcription services for podcasts and other audio material.
In conclusion, transcription services may be used to make information in many different disciplines more accessible to more people. They make it possible for those with hearing loss, those who speak a language other than English at home, those who have cognitive challenges, and others to access audio and video information in a textual format, which can enhance readability, accessibility, and portability.
In addition to assisting businesses in meeting their obligations under accessibility requirements, transcription services significantly improve content usability and audience engagement.
