Ensuring equal access to instructional media is part of inclusive course design and, in some cases, a required accommodation.
Captions support students who are deaf or hard of hearing — and they also benefit multilingual learners, students reviewing complex content, and anyone learning in sound-sensitive environments.
When Captioned Video Is Required
If a Faculty Notification Letter lists captioned video: All instructional videos shown in class must have captions enabled All posted video content must include accurate captions. Automatic captions must be reviewed and corrected.
Captioning Checklist for Faculty
When Captions Are Required
If a Faculty Notification Letter includes captioned video, all instructional videos must include accurate captions.
Before Showing a Video
Confirm captions are available and turned on.
Using YouTube Videos
Do not rely on automatic captions. Review and edit them.
Blackboard Media Tools
Upload through Blackboard and request or review captions within the platform.
Audio-Only Content
Provide a transcript for podcasts or recorded audio.
Using Third-Party Videos
If captions are unavailable, locate a captioned version or contact the DRC before assigning.
Captioning Videos in Blackboard
If you are using Blackboard’s media tools (including Kaltura):
- Upload video within Blackboard
- Request captioning when needed
- Review captions before publishing
If captioning relates to a student accommodation, coordinate with the DRC.
For technical setup questions, contact eLearning or IT Services.
How to Edit YouTube Automatic Captions
YouTube automatically generates captions — but they are not accurate enough to meet accessibility standards. They must be reviewed and corrected.
Automatic Captions Must Be Reviewed
Automatic captions frequently contain:
- Incorrect terminology
- Misspelled technical words
- Missing punctuation
- Speaker confusion
Captions should be reviewed before assigning or presenting the video.
Posting Videos to the UA Little Rock Domain
UA Little Rock is committed to inclusion and accessibility.
All instructional videos posted to university sites should:
- Include accurate captions
- Be reviewed for clarity
- Include transcripts for audio-only files
If a third-party video does not include captions:
- Locate a captioned version
- Request captioning assistance
- Contact the DRC before assigning
Unsure Whether a Video Meets Accessibility Standards?
Captioning is easier to address before content is published.