Separate sound recordings describing visual information can be useful for people with a vision impairment.  Videos featuring this option are not widely available in Australia.

Fosha, Irwin and Pappas (2000) write that:

To support the needs of people with visual impairments, a described version (closed or separate open version) of videorecordings should also be prepared. A described video is one with good quality audio descriptions of action and text that appear on the screen. People with learning disabilities would benefit from a described version as well, although some may be distracted by open descriptions and would prefer an accompanying audiotape. For previously-developed products, an alternative to described versions is an audiotape to accompany the videorecording.

Similar considerations should be implemented with other non-print formats (e.g., audiotapes, slides/tape products). At this time, more exploration of alternatives will be needed for hypermedia products (i.e., software products that integrate multimedia). There are issues related the need for alternative formats for people with sensory impairments when sound and visuals are both presented. Additionally, accommodations may be needed for people with fine motor control difficulties if small buttons or links are used. At the present time, there is not a lot of information on best practices to guide us.

This site is a working draft only!  For more information on this project, send an email to: unidesign@optusnet.com.au

© State of Queensland (Department of Employment & Training) 2005