Scheduled at 1:45 pm in Matchless on Wednesday, November 19.
#41373Speaker(s)
- Cindy Camp, Training Coordinator, DCMP
- Kyle Sisk, CTO, Described and Captioned Media Program
- Jason Stark, Director, Described and Captioned Media Program
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: Beginner
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
DCMP has developed a new tool for making videos accessible. The tool allows users to add captions, audio description, and sign language. It is unique because the tool itself is accessible to those with hearing and vision loss, where most other video accessibility tools are not. This online tool uses AI features to simplify many of the processes. This presentation will focus on the DCMP tool and explain its benefits for the post-secondary community.
Abstract
The software and services for creating captioning, audio description, and ASL vary greatly in price, usability, and functionality. DCMP recognized the need for an intelligently guided experience for DIY accessibility that could leverage DCMP’s 30+ years of experience producing high-quality accessible educational media. Using machine learning, AI, and natural language processing, our team created a web platform that enables users to submit videos and make them accessible on their own. Additionally, users can embed, download, or share links to their accessible videos.
DCMP’s Accessibility Tool is a web-based video accessibility production suite that is capable of producing captioning, audio description, and synchronized ASL.
The captioning feature utilizes AI speech-to-text engines in tandem with NLP-driven timing and line-breaking guidance trained from our Captioning Key guidelines. This results in a highly accurate transcript that is properly segmented. A quick human quality control review process is all that is needed to complete captioning for most videos.
The tool allows users to write audio description with the assistance of image description AI, record narration for those description segments, or select a neural synthetic voice and generate the narration. Segments may be in-line or expanded, and the tool will fully mix the program and audio description segments. Users may embed, share links, or export audio files for use on other platforms.
Synchronized ASL capture normally occurs with a camera and involves post-production in video editing software. DCMP’s tool uses a phone, tablet, or computer webcam as a capture device. The original video is counted in and played alongside the ASL capture to reinforce synchronization with the original video. Multiple takes, edits, and alignment all happen within a simple web interface. Users may embed the ASL (picture-in-picture) or place it beside the original video and share via embed link or a video export.
Keypoints
- Current video accessibility apps have are complicated and inaccessible to users with vision and hearing loss.
- Adding captions and audio description to videos is not sufficient. They must be high-quality.
- Section 504 digital accessibility requirements update in 2026. This Tool can help colleges become compliant.
Disability Areas
Cognitive/Learning, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Vision
Topic Areas
Accessible Course Design, Alternate Format, Artificial Intelligence, Assistive Technology, Captioning/Transcription, Faculty Development & Support, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
Cindy Camp
Cindy Camp is the Training Coordinator with The Described and Captioned Media Program. She holds a Master’s degree in English, is a nationally certified interpreter, certified in mental health interpreting, as well as a C-Print captioninst and trainer. She has provided access services for students with disabilities for over 30 years.
Kyle Sisk
Kyle Sisk is the CTO of the Described and Captioned Media Program. He and his team develop solutions to improve the quality and efficiency of accessibility production; along with the technology required to deliver accessible media to viewers on a global scale. Kyle holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, and has worked in media accessibility at DCMP for 16 years.
Jason Stark
Jason Stark is the Director of DCMP, overseeing all aspects of the multimillion dollar grant. He holds a Master’s degree in Information Technology from the University of South Carolina. He has been involved with media accessibility for over 25 years.