How do I get my media captioned?
To access SDC captioning, contact the Communication Services Supervisor or [email protected] with course name and SID for the student needing Media Captioning accommodations to be added to the approved captioning list for the quarter.
After uploading the video file to AggieVideo or to Canvas in My Media or My Media gallery, request Student Disability Center captioning through the Caption & Enrich feature.
For information on how to submit a Media Captioning request, please view the instructions for Media Captioning through the SDC or contact [email protected] for assistance.
How do I share captioned media with students through Canvas?
Media with embedded closed captioning or open captions from the source can be included directly into Canvas assignments.
Media that has been uploaded and processed for SDC professional captioning should be shared via AggieVideo link or from Media Gallery so that students can access the embedded captioning.
What if the media I want to use is from YouTube?
If the video is on YouTube, you should check to see if it’s accurately captioned. If it is not properly captioned, you will need to submit a Media Captioning request through AggieVideo or Canvas.
A warning about YouTube videos: Often YouTube videos show the “CC” symbol, indicating they are captioned. However, if you click on the “CC” symbol and it says “English (Auto Generated),” these captions are produced using voice recognition software and fall below the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and UC Davis quality standards. When used in the classroom, auto-generated captions may limit accessibility for the student with hearing loss.
The auto-generated captions are sometimes so inaccurate that they prohibit proper comprehension of the material being presented. It is required that you review the entire YouTube video to check the quality of the captions before showing it in class. If the captions do not meet ADA and University requirements, you should submit a Media Captioning request.
Where can I go to find an already captioned version of the film or video I want to show?
In addition to common streaming services, captioned versions of films or videos may be available through Kanopy or Docuseek with your UC Davis Library account, or from the Described and Captioned Media Program.
For uncaptioned films or documentaries on YouTube, check out the website of the original producer, such as PBS, Nature, or the Smithsonian for captioned versions.
How long does it take to get media captioned?
For captioning requests made through the AggieVideo and Canvas captioning workflow, please allow four days. For video captioning requests that cannot be made through AggieVideo or Canvas, please reach out to the SDC at [email protected] and allow at least two weeks.
For last-minute media captioning requests, please contact the Communication Services Supervisor and indicate your desired turnaround time. Completion of rush requests is subject to staff availability.
Please plan accordingly. If videos are not captioned, they may not be shown in class or be required viewing for students outside of class time.
Is a transcript of a video sufficient?
If the media has audio and video, it needs to have professional captions. A transcript is not sufficient to meet the Media Captioning accommodations requirements.