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1.2.6 - Sign Language (Prerecorded) - AAA

Intent​

Enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing and who are fluent in sign language to understand the auditory information in the synchronized media by providing a sign language interpretation.

Who Benefits​

  • People who cannot hear an audio content of a video can watch a sign language interpretation to understand the content.
  • People who have limited reading ability and are not able to read captions (including language barriers and speed rate) can understand the content thanks to the sign language interpretation.

Sign Language​

Sign language is a system of communication using visual gestures and signs, as used by deaf people.

A sign language interpreter translates the sentence 'How are you?' into the sign language.

Interesting Facts​

  • Sign language conveys emotion, intonation, expression, and other dynamics that may not be accurately expressed via written text.
  • Written text is a second language for users whose first language is sign language.
  • People who communicate extensively in sign language may comprehend the content in sign language faster and more accurately than when they are reading written text in captions.

Implementation​

Any content provided in audio-only or audio-visual formats should include clearly visible sign language interpretations either in the main video or embedded as a picture-in-picture frame inside of the video.

Because there is no universal sign language, it is best to provide the interpretation in the language of the country that you are targeting.

Producing quality signed video assets requires extensive planning and specialized skill sets. There are tasks related to defining and verifying customer requirements, talent acquisition, content management, and environmental controls.

Example​

Correct Usage​

The following example shows the correct usage or implementation of accessibility.

Example 1: Sign Language Interpretation inside the Video​

See a showcase of the sign language in The Future of Accessibility with Vint Cerf - axe-con 2021 (video).

Test Your Knowledge​

The website should conform to WCAG level AA. On the homepage, there is a video (including audio) describing the company and the services they offer. What are the requisites of the media to meet the conformance?

Required: Captions, audio descriptions OR transcript, alternative text describing the media.


Recommended: Sign language interpretation.