This week we meet our first AAA level success criterion. This put me in a pinch. I had to decide if I wanted this series to include all criteria. Alternatively, it just includes the ones needed to get conformance to current legal standards. And I’m coming out in between. I’ve decided to include only the AAA that should be covered in my opinion.
So this week we’ll look at the needs around Sign Language. We’re still discussing video, but we’re back at pre-recorded video. I will say, if you are holding a webinar, you should have a live sign language interpreter.
This one is simple to implement, but takes time to prepare. First, you need to find a proper interpreter. There is a process to becoming an interpreter. Someone might know American Sign Language (ASL) or British Sign Language (BSL). That doesn’t mean they qualify to be an interpreter. Look for a service that offers certified interpreters.
Next, you’ll need to submit your video or audio to the interpreter. The interpreter would then record themselves doing the interpretation. You then embed that video in picture-in-picture style to your video.
Why? Can’t they use captions?
Of course they can use captions. And captions are usually sufficient, which is why Sign Language is a AAA level. It isn’t absolutely needed to have an accessible site.
But you asked why.
ASL and BSL are their own separate languages. Yes, they can spell the words out in English. Or any language, but sign language goes beyond this. Sign language encompasses the not just the hands, but the whole body, including facial expressions.
Being part of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community is a special privilege. They have names they give each other. Which are only used in the community. They are a unique and whole community. They have a foot in our world and one in their own.
Imagine growing up in a Mexican household in the United States. You can speak English, but in your house you only speak Spanish. In English your sentences are simple. But in Spanish, you can elaborate in great detail providing another layer of language on top of the words. It’s the same with sign language.
Simply put, I recommend using sign language on all videos in addition to captions, audio description, and transcripts. Give your users control by providing the content in the fashion that will make them the most comfortable.