Accessibility Services Glossary
Key Terms for Enhancing Inclusivity
Table of Contents
Learn essential terms to boost inclusivity at your events.
Introduction
This accessibility services glossary will play a vital role in making your events, online content, and media inclusive for everyone. Whether you’re organizing a virtual event, managing educational content, or aiming to improve accessibility in your organization, understanding key terms related to captioning, transcription, and sign language empowers you to make informed decisions.
This accessibility services glossary introduces essential terms related to accessibility services, focusing on captioning, transcription, and American Sign Language (ASL).
While no glossary can be considered “complete”, this list of terms and definitions serves as an excellent starting point for beginners in the field of accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility refers to the practice of making information, services, and environments usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities. In communication, this involves services like captioning, transcription, and ASL interpretation to ensure equal access.
For more information on ADA compliance and accessibility guidelines, check resources like the ADA National Network
ADA Law
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) stands as a civil rights law in the United States that protects individuals with disabilities by prohibiting discrimination against them.
Organizations are required under ADA Law to ensure accessibility in public spaces, digital platforms, and events. Additionally, these mandates necessitate communication services like captioning, audio description, and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. These measures help organizations provide accessibility in various settings, such as public events and workplaces.
By adhering to ADA law, organizations guarantee that all individuals can fully access and engage with their services.
American Sign Language (ASL)
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete language that uses hand movements, facial expressions, and body language to communicate. Widely used by the Deaf community in the United States and parts of Canada, ASL has its own unique grammar and syntax.
Click the following link to schedule American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services easily.
ASL Interpreter
An ASL interpreter is a professional fluent in both American Sign Language and English who facilitates communication between Deaf and hearing individuals. ASL interpreters play a crucial role in events by ensuring that spoken information is accurately conveyed to Deaf attendees. Choosing a qualified interpreter is vital for promoting accessibility and engagement.
Organizations like the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) offer resources on finding certified interpreters.
Audio Description (AD)
Audio description is an additional narration track that describes visual elements of a video for people who are blind or visually impaired. This service supplements the audio content by describing actions, facial expressions, scene changes, and other visual details. Typically, this service is often provided by agencies specializing in accessibility services such as CART captioning, American Sign Language interpreting, and transcription.
Click this link to schedule audio description and other accessibility accommodations easily.
Captioning
Captioning involves converting spoken dialogue and relevant audio information, like sound effects and speaker identification, into text that appears on screen. You can choose between open captions (always visible) or closed captions (can be toggled on or off). Both types contribute to improved audience engagement and comprehension. Both types also serve as an essential accessibilty accommodation for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
CART Captioning
Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) involves converting spoken words into text as they occur. Specifically, CART works especially well for live events, educational settings, and webinars where real-time accessibility is crucial. Unlike A.I. software, trained professionals handle this service, which ensures accurate and immediate text. As a result, CART Captioning stands out as one of the best solutions for events that prioritize clarity, inclusivity, and overall comprehension.
Discover more about what CART Captioning is in this article.
CART Captioning Services
A CART Captioning service offers professional real-time human captioners and should provide technical support to ensure smooth integration with event platforms. This setup guarantees immediate accessibility by displaying spoken content as text on a screen. Choose a high-quality service to ensure seamless and accurate captioning for your audience, whether they attend educational webinars, corporate meetings, or public events.
Explore CART Captioning pricing and packages using this link.
Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI)
A Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) is a Deaf or hard-of-hearing professional who has specialized training in interpreting. CDIs work alongside hearing interpreters to ensure clear communication for Deaf individuals, especially in situations where standard ASL might fall short. CDIs actively bridge communication gaps at events, enhancing inclusivity when complex language needs arise. CDIs are valuable at international conferences attended by sign language users from varying cultures and linguistic backgrounds.
Closed Captions (CC)
Closed captions are captions that users can turn on or off based on their needs. These captions often include not only spoken dialogue but also non-verbal sounds like laughter, applause, and sound effects. Closed captions greatly help create a fully immersive viewing experience, especially for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Discover more about how open captions differ from closed captions (cc) using this link.
Descriptive Video Service (DVS)
Descriptive Video Service (DVS) provides audio descriptions of the visual elements of a video. This service is crucial for making visual media accessible to blind or visually impaired individuals.
Learn about accessibility solutions like DVS using this link.
Descriptive Video Service (DVS) vs. Audio Description (AD)
Although DVS and AD serve similar purposes, they differ in key ways. Both enhance accessibility for blind or visually impaired audiences by providing narrated descriptions of important visual elements in videos, movies, or television programs. However, the terms apply differently depending on the context.
Key Differences:
- Descriptive Video Service (DVS): DVS primarily applies in the broadcast industry, especially in North America, and often refers to narration tracks in television shows or movies. Networks like PBS popularized the term as they offer these services as a selectable option for viewers.
- Audio Description (AD): AD is a more widely recognized global term that describes narrated visual descriptions across various platforms, including live theater, streaming services, and educational materials. Unlike DVS, AD isn’t confined to TV broadcasts.
For a deeper dive into the differences, explore this guide from the American Council of the Blind.
FCC Captioning Requirements
FCC Captioning Requirements are regulations set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. These regulations mandate the provision of captions for television programs and online video content to ensure accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments.
For more information on FCC captioning rules and compliance, visit the Federal Communications Commission’s official website.
Live Captioning
Live captioning transcribes spoken language into text in real-time making content accessible during live events for both on-site and remote viewers. Unlike pre-recorded captions, live captioning demands speed, accuracy and technical expertise. Also known as CART captioning, live captioning is particularly useful in conferences, webinars, and town halls where real-time support is critical.
Schedule Live Captioning (CART captioning) easily using this link.
Meaning-for-Meaning Captioning
Meaning-for-meaning captioning summarizes the spoken content instead of providing a verbatim transcription. This method works well in settings where summarizing the dialogue improves comprehension. While it’s less detailed than word-for-word captioning, it’s effective in fast-paced environments where capturing the essence of the conversation is more practical. Meaning-for-meaning captioners are typically well trained and have years of relevant captioning experience. When selecting a meaning for meaning captioner it’s beneficial to identify those with experience in specific types of subject matter relevant to your event.
Schedule Meaning-for-Meaning services and other accessibility solutions using this link.
Multilingual Captions
Multilingual captions provide text in multiple languages, making content accessible to a global audience. This service is crucial for international events and content aimed at diverse audiences.
Learn more about the benefits of live captions in this article.
Open Captioning
Open captioning embeds captions directly into the video so they’re always visible. Unlike closed captions, viewers cannot turn open captions off. Open captioning works best in environments like public displays, social media content, and live events where consistent accessibility is needed for all viewers.
Learn more about the subject in this article.
Open Caption vs Closed Caption
When comparing open caption vs closed caption, the main difference lies in viewer control. Open captions always remain visible, while closed captions offer viewers the option to turn them on or off. Choosing between the two depends on the context of the event and audience preferences. Ask a specialized captioning agency for advice about which service would be most beneficial for your specific needs.
Learn more about this subject in this article.
For specialized advice on which captioning service best suits your needs, consult with experts at NAD Captioning Advocacy.
Open Subtitling
Open subtitling refers to open captions where subtitles are permanently displayed on a video. This method is often used when content needs to be accessible to a global audience, including those who may not understand the original language.
Post-Production Captioning
Post-production captioning refers to captions added to a video after recording. This method ensures high accuracy and is often used for pre-recorded content that needs to be accessible.
Real-Time Captioning
Real-time captioning converts spoken words into text instantly during live events. It’s highly valuable for situations where immediate accessibility is required. CART captioning and is a prime example of real-time captioning, offering a word-for-word transcription that captures everything as it happens.
Learn more and schedule easily using this link.
Relay Interpreting
In relay interpreting, a team of interpreters usually made up of a CDI and a hearing ASL interpreter collaborate to address diverse language needs. This method works especially well for audiences with diverse language needs, such as Deaf individuals who use regional or non-standard signs. Event organizers often rely on relay interpreting to manage more complex communication scenarios.
Schedule CDI’s and ASL interpreters using this link.
Section 504 Plan
A Section 504 Plan details appropriate accessibility accommodations for students with disabilities in educational settings. These plans might include CART captioning, transcription, and sign language interpretation to ensure students receive equal access to education. Schools in the United States implement Section 504 Plans to meet the needs of students with diverse abilities.
Learn more about and schedule accessibility solutions using this link.
Subtitles
Subtitles are text displayed on a video screen that translates or transcribes the spoken content. Unlike captions, subtitles focus primarily on translating dialogue rather than including sound effects or speaker identification.
Order subtitles easily using this link.
.SRT File
An .SRT file is a commonly used format for captioning video content. It contains the text of the captions along with timestamps that determine when each line of text should appear and disappear on screen. You’ll typically see this format used for adding closed captions to online videos, such as those on YouTube.
Get .SRT files for your audio or video files easily using this link.
Synchronized Captions
Synchronized captions are perfectly timed to match the spoken dialogue in a video. Proper synchronization is critical for the effectiveness of captions, ensuring that viewers can follow along without confusion.
Get synchronized captions easily using this link.
Tactile ASL
Tactile ASL is a form of American Sign Language used by individuals who are both Deaf and blind. In Tactile ASL, the DeafBlind person places their hands on the signer’s hands to feel the signs being made. Offering Tactile ASL at events ensures accessibility for attendees with combined vision and hearing loss.
Schedule tactile ASL interpreters easily using this link.
Transcription
Transcription involves converting spoken content into written text. While transcription can occur in real time (like with CART captioning), it’s often done post-production. Transcripts are useful for improving accessibility, search engine optimization, and content reference.
Transcribe files easily using this link.
Transcriber
A transcriber is a trained, and often certified, professional responsible for converting spoken words into text. Transcribers may work in real-time (as with CART captioning) or on recorded content to produce accurate transcripts.
Access trained transcribers using this link.
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) provides real-time ASL interpretation through video conferencing platforms. VRI is ideal for events that involve remote participants or where on-site interpreters are unavailable. Using VRI offers flexibility and ensures that Deaf attendees can fully participate in virtual or hybrid events.
Schedule ASL interpreters using this link.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding these essential terms strengthens your ability to choose the appropriate accessibility services and navigate popular accessibility accommodations. Whether you’re considering live captioning for webinars, open captioning for public events, or CART services for virtual meetings, knowing the basics helps you make decisions that keep your content inclusive and engaging for all.
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