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Provide a live transcript or captions for live audio-only content.
Why it matters: Ensures deaf and hard of hearing users can access live audio broadcasts.
An alternative for time-based media that presents equivalent information for live audio-only content is provided.
What This Means: This success criterion requires real-time text alternatives for live audio-only content, such as live radio broadcasts, webinars, live podcasts, or audio streams. The alternative must be provided as the content is happening, presenting equivalent information to what's in the audio.
Why It's Important: Live audio-only content is completely inaccessible to deaf and hard of hearing users without real-time text alternatives. Unlike prerecorded content where transcripts can be prepared in advance, live content requires immediate captioning or transcription to ensure equal access. This is especially critical for news, emergency broadcasts, educational webinars, and other time-sensitive audio content.
Live audio-only content needs real-time captions or transcripts that update as the audio plays. This typically requires professional captioning services, advanced speech-to-text technology, or a combination of both. The text alternative should appear with minimal delay, be synchronized with the audio, and include all spoken content and important sounds. It should be clearly visible and accessible through the audio player interface.
This criterion ensures that deaf users can access and understand the content, improving their overall experience and ability to use the website effectively.
This criterion ensures that hard of hearing users can access and understand the content, improving their overall experience and ability to use the website effectively.
Impact: When this criterion is properly implemented, it removes barriers for these user groups and creates a more inclusive web experience for everyone.
A live audio stream has no real-time captions or transcript.
<audio controls>
<source src="live-stream.mp3" type="audio/mpeg">
</audio>
<!-- No live captions available -->A live audio stream includes real-time captions that update as the audio plays.
<audio controls>
<source src="live-stream.mp3" type="audio/mpeg">
</audio>
<div id="live-captions" aria-live="polite">
<!-- Real-time captions appear here -->
</div>This success criterion benefits the following user groups:
Tip: Use this checklist during development and testing to ensure all requirements for 1.2.9 Audio-only (Live) are met. Check off items as you complete them.
Note: These are official W3C resources for 1.2.9. For the most up-to-date information and detailed technical guidance, always refer to the official W3C documentation.
Implementing 1.2.9 Audio-only (Live) correctly requires understanding your specific context. Code solutions vary significantly based on multiple factors:
HTML, React, Vue, Angular, PHP, Python, and other frameworks each have different patterns and best practices.
Server-side rendering, client-side rendering, static generation, and hybrid approaches require different solutions.
Your existing components, styling approach, and UI library influence how accessibility must be implemented.
Your specific user base, content type, and interaction patterns determine the most appropriate implementation.
We provide tailored implementation guidance by analyzing your specific technology stack, coding patterns, design system, and project requirements. Our team reviews your codebase and provides custom solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing architecture.
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Perceivable PrincipleGuideline
1.2 Time-based Media