Closed captioning

Accessible Learning: Closed Captioning Resources

WSU Vancouver is committed to providing equitable access to all course materials. Every student should be able to obtain information as fully, equally, and independently as their peers. When an enrolled student receives closed captioning as an accommodation through Student Accommodations and Disability Resources, faculty must ensure all assigned videos and media are fully captioned.

It is the responsibility of faculty members to verify the accessibility of assigned media. This proactive approach ensures that WSU Vancouver maintains an inclusive learning environment where barriers to information are removed. By prioritizing accessible content, the university upholds its mission to support the success of every student.

Video Content Review Steps

1. Verify Accessibility

Do not assume that materials are accurately captioned simply because a CC icon is present on platforms like YouTube. Automated captions often contain errors that hinder understanding.

• To verify accuracy: Turn on the captions, mute the volume, and watch the video. If the content is not easily followed through text alone, it is not accessible.
• Action for inaccessible content: Remove or hide materials until they are made accessible. Do not post uncaptioned videos to Canvas or other platforms until the accessibility requirements are met.

2. Resolution Options

If your course materials are not accessible or you are unsure of their status, use the following resources:

• Consult a Librarian: Contact Sam Lohmann at sam.lohmann@wsu.edu for assistance in locating accessible alternatives that meet your learning objectives.
• Self-Captioning: For short online videos, faculty are encouraged to use Amara, a tool designed for manual captioning.
• Professional Requests: Submit a request through the university to have your materials professionally captioned.

Requesting Services

To ensure timely delivery, please follow these guidelines when submitting a request:

• Lead Time: Requests must be submitted at least two weeks before the class due date. Longer videos may require additional processing time.
• Public Access: Links to videos must be publicly accessible (such as YouTube or Vimeo). Staff members do not have access to private course shells.
• Alternative Formats: If you experience trouble with web forms, email van.access.center@wsu.edu for assistance.