I notice TechDis have put together some advice about podcast accessibility:
http://www.techdis.ac.uk/index.php?p=3_10_13_3
It looks like you've already considered most of this, but I'd say the most
important points are:
For blind, partially sighted and dexterity problems: Give people as much
choice as possible in the ways they can access the podcasts e.g. via RSS,
direct link to MP3 on web page, Itunes, all the main podcast directories.
Make sure the page that offers information and links to the podcast conforms
to W3C guidelines http://www.w3.org/WAI/
For hearing difficulties (and everyone): use the best quality recording
equipment available and maximum quality recording settings during
production. Keep background noise to a minimum during any 'vox pop' type
interviews and avoid background music when people are speaking. Never allow
people to talk over each other in group discussions. Keep the final mix
pretty central to both left/right channels.
For everyone: always produce a transcript from the final version of the
podcast and post it on the website.
If possible, offer various quality versions (i.e. file sizes) of the podcast
(low, medium, high).
Wherever practical, consider producing both video and audio podcasts, with
the video podcast including subtitles and use of images and diagrams to help
convey complex information. Info on adding subtitles to Quicktime video can
be found at http://www.webaim.org/techniques/captions/quicktime/ or search
on SMIL techniques.
Hope this helps.
Ian Francis
----- Original Message -----
From: "Anthony Houldsworth" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2008 10:51 AM
Subject: Podcasting
> Dear All,
>
> We are putting together a communications policy on podcasting, which of
> course will need to be impact assessed. Does anyone have any ideas on
> potential for negative impact and steps which can be taken to minimise
> any negative impact?
>
> We have already considered alternative transcripts for people with
> hearing impairment and screen reader compatibility of the webpage which
> offers the podcast but I am sure there are plenty of other points of
> view out there which can give us a lead.
>
> Thanks in anticipation.
>
> Anthony
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Anthony Houldsworth, FRGS, MNADP
> Diversity and Disability Advisor
> The Institute of Cancer Research
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> Sutton, SM2 5NG
> DL: 020 8722 4129
> Fax: 020 8722 4048
> Email: [log in to unmask]
>
> Visit the Equality and Diversity section of the intranet at
> http://intra.icr.ac.uk/hr/diversity/index.php
>
>
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