Ai-Media Blog

Accessibility, Captions, Live Captioning

Here’s how to support the d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing community by being respectful and communicating accessibly.

A laptop on a desk with plants and a drink next to it. On the screen is a captioned live stream in which a leopard is lying on a tree branch. The caption reads 'Leopards sleep during the day.'

Captioning Your Live Stream: A How-To by Ai-Media

Accessibility, Captions, Live Captioning, Streaming, Technology, Video

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to create access for everyone on your live stream! So we’ve put together this easy guide to captioning your live stream.

Illustration of a student working on a laptop in their room. There is a captioned class on the screen and college flags on their wall.

How to Tailor Online Accessibility for Your Students’ Individual Needs

Accessibility, Audio Description, Captions, College, Live Captioning, Sign Language, Streaming, Technology, University, Video

Every student is different! Here’s how to provide access for students with disability in an individualized way.

An illustration of four people sitting in different rooms but on the same live subtitled meeting.

The Next Big Thing in Global Business: Live Translation

Accessibility, Sign Language, Subtitles, Translation

At the cutting edges of technology and digital accessibility, live translation is emerging as a powerful tool for businesses around the world.

A captioner sitting at a desk with headphones and a microphone on. They are also smiling and typing on a laptop. There are books on their desk and a cup of tea next to them. There is a window behind them with a park and trees visible.

A Day in the Life of a (Live!) Captioner

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a live captioner? Here’s a peek into the daily life of a captioner that uses the technique ‘respeaking’!

A photograph of Leonie Jackson smiling at the camera. She has short, curly hair and is wearing a bright top with flowers on it.

Remembering Leonie Jackson

Uncategorized

The entire Ai-Media family is deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic death of Leonie Jackson.

A person sitting on a couch with a cat in their lap and a newspaper by their side. There is a video conference on their computer, with four others on the call. A live caption at the bottom of the computer screen reads: "I have an update on the upcoming webinar."

3 Ways to Make Your Meetings More Productive This Year

Accessibility, Business, Captions, COVID-19, Live Captioning, Meetings, Technology, Transcription

To make the world of online meetings a little easier for everyone, we’ve put together a list of how to make yours more productive.

Ai-Media Expands US Footprint with Two New Acquisitions

Accessibility, Ai-Media, Business

Ai-Media is pleased to announce that it has accelerated its growth in North America by agreeing to acquire Caption IT and CaptionAccess.

Four students sitting at different desks in their homes. They are watching captioned videos, taking notes and one is drinking coffee.

5 Steps to Provide Greater Access to Deaf Students

Accessibility, Captions, College, Live Captioning, University

Universities now have a wide range of choices when it comes to making their content accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Check out our five steps here.

Seven people on a tree-lined street smiling and doing everyday things. One is on a laptop, one is talking on a phone, one is playing basketball in a wheelchair, two are waving at each other and one is reading a book. Two others are using canes.

Ai-Media Staff on their Experience of Invisible Disability and Accessibility

Disability is both a common and a very individual experience. Find some stories from Ai-Media staff in this article for International Day of People with Disabilities!

5 Great Moments in the History of Closed Captioning

Accessibility, Broadcast, Captions, Deaf Culture, Technology, Video

Captioning has a long and rich history. It is, in fact, about 100 years old! We outline five of the most exciting moments in captioning history below.

Two illustrated people next to a big screen with timecodes and lines of text on them. They are moving them around and there are letters of the alphabet floating in the air between them.

What is an SRT File? And How To Use One

Accessibility, Captions, Technology, Video

SRT files enable text captions to be displayed on a video. Here is how they work, how to make one, and how to open one in your video.

Three people sitting on lounges and chatting. One is having a cup of coffee and one is signing and wears a cochlear implant.

The Difference Between d/Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing

Explore the different terms used in the d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, the significance of Deaf culture, and how you can make life more accessible for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

People drinking champagne and celebrating. A person holds a mobile phone and records a captioned video on social media.

3 Free Closed Captioning Apps You Can Try

Accessibility, Captions, Technology

We played with three free captioning apps on a smartphone to see how well they deliver closed captions for social media and other platforms.

A person with headphones on in front of several televisions from different eras.

A History of Audio Description

Accessibility, Audio Description, Broadcast, Technology, Video

The story of audio description services for people who are blind and have low vision is a fascinating part of media history! Discover it here.

Two illustrated people standing by some large trees. One person is signing and both are wearing face masks with clear panels at the mouth. They are smiling.

COVID-19 Pandemic Shines a Spotlight on Accessibility

Accessibility, COVID-19

Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities have encountered significant communication barriers during COVID-19, and people are responding in resourceful ways.

An illustration of people in an office working on computers and looking happy. There is a large window in the background and high-rise buildings beyond the window.

The Business Case for Closed Captions

Accessibility, Business, Captions, Technology

Closed captions are no longer used only as an accessibility tool. They are now an essential part of communication in business.

Three Indigenous young people sitting on a couch watching TV and smiling.

Indigenous Language Terms and Why You Need Them in Your Media

Accessibility, Captions

We explore Indigenous languages in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and look at how important it is to include these terms in your closed captions and other accessible media.

Illustrated image of a woman standing in front of a cityscape with her hands on her hips. She looks confident.

Access as a Black Deaf Woman during COVID-19: An Interview with Vilma Jackson

Accessibility, COVID-19, Deaf Culture

We spoke to artist and performer Vilma Jackson about her experiences during the pandemic and how it has affected her community and her art.

Case Study: Access to Work supports workers with disability in the UK

Ai-Media, Captions, Case study, Live Captioning, Streaming

The United Kingdom’s Access to Work is a publicly funded employment support program that aims to help more people with disability start or stay in work.

Three people posing with graphs and icons of computer screens to demonstrate web accessibility. One person is using a wheelchair and another wears sunglasses.

What is WCAG and How to Achieve Web Accessibility Compliance

Accessibility, Technology, Video, WCAG

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are global guidelines for the accessibility of websites and web pages for people with disability. Learn how you can (and should!) comply.

Two people on a stage. One is speaking or signing into a microphone. The other is interpreting what she is saying in sign language.

Famous Sign Language Interpreters You Should Know

Accessibility, ACS, Deaf Culture, Sign Language

We recognize the amazing talents of accomplished and admired sign language interpreters, today and every day.

A globe on a desk with a world map on it. On the map are hands doing letters in sign language. There is also a plant on the desk and a frame.

Sign Language Alphabets From Around The World

Accessibility, Deaf Culture

Let’s take a trip around the world to explore sign languages, their stories and their finger alphabets. The journey begins here!

Ai-Media lists on the Australian Stock Exchange

Ai-Media, Business, Media Release

It’s an exciting moment for Ai-Media, as we list on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) after a successful $65.5m initial public offering (IPO).

Illustrated people sitting in a park. They are accompanied by different types of assistance dogs. There are large trees either side of them and a footpath.

8 Types of Assistance Dogs We Know You’ll Love

There are a variety of assistance dogs around the world supporting people with a wide range of disabilities. Find eight of them here – Some you may have never heard of!

A person lying on a lounge watching Youtube on their laptop and eating popcorn.

Why We Shouldn’t Give Up on Closed Captioning for YouTube

Accessibility, Captions, Streaming, Technology, Video

On September 28, 2020, YouTube ended its community captions. But great captions are still possible on this platform!

A university teacher delivering a lecture in front of a whiteboard.

The Tricky Issue of Copyrighting Recorded Lectures

Accessibility, College, COVID-19, Technology, University

In today’s environment of remote learning, copyright and ownership of materials is coming into sharp focus. Here are the major concerns for university teachers.

People outdoors meeting each other. One person signs 'hello' and one person is wearing a cochlear implant.

Tips for Being Deaf-Aware: Part 2

In our second article on tips for being deaf aware – How to communicate when an interpreter is present, learning signs, words to use (and not use) and more.

A person painting on a canvas. On the person's head there are graphics of a cat, a book, a plant, a clock and other objects super-imposed, to show that they are a visual thinker.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Dyslexia

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability. Find out how it is expressed, the unique talents it can give rise to, and how to communicate effectively with someone who has dyslexia.

Two people in a sitting room talking and smiling. One is wearing a hearing aid. A cat sleeps on the couch.

Tips for Being Deaf-Aware: Part 1

Here are some easy ways each of us can improve our awareness about deafness, from knowing more about Deaf culture to accessible communication.

A bodybuilder holding weights and posting on a platform in front of a crowd. She is wearing a pink bikini.

Famous Deaf People: 15 Athletes Who Are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing

Accessibility, Technology

Deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes have been an influential part of sporting history. Here are 15 of the most exciting.

People sit on clouds floating above the city. They are all on various devices.

Accessible Design: A New Priority for Big Tech Companies

Big tech companies are now at the forefront of innovation in accessibility. Here’s how they sell it, and their most exciting new features.

A person sitting at a computer at a desk. Behind her is a big window with a view of Big Ben and there is a pot of tea on her desk.

UK Web Accessibility: New Requirements for the Public Sector

From 23 September 2020, websites of any public sector bodies in the UK will need to satisfy new accessibility regulations.

A young person lying in a field of flowers. They are holding a flower and resting their head on a pile of books. There is a backpack in the grass behind them. They are looking up into the sky with a relaxed expression on their face.

Maintaining Good Mental Health at University (During a Pandemic)

Accessibility, College, University

Good mental health support is still possible during COVID-19. It just has to be adapted to the new, more remote university environment.

A reporter is on the television holding a microphone. Subtitles in French appear at the bottom of the screen.

4 Reasons You Should Localize Your Content with Subtitles

Accessibility, Broadcast, Streaming, Subtitles, Video

One way broadcasters and media producers can thrive in the ever-evolving media landscape – and get great results out of it – is by localizing content for new regions.

A lecturer and a student working on computers in separate rooms. The lecturer displays a document and the student types. A cat sleeps beside the student.

How to Support Students with Disability this Semester

Accessibility, College, COVID-19, University

Here’s what you need to know about improving your information accessibility for the new online environment and how to engage students when they are feeling disconnected or anxious.

A photograph of the White House and people out the front. Some people are using wheelchairs, one has a prosthetic leg and others are chatting.

The ADA Turns 30: What America Has Learned

Over the past 30 years, many people have seen improvements in their everyday lives because of the rights the ADA has afforded them. But many need more.

A teacher in a classroom points to writing on a blackboard. The writing is an equation that reads "Score equals N minus E minus R, then divided by N." There are two students in the classroom socially distancing at desks.

The Best Accuracy Measurement for Captions Yet: The NER Model

Accessibility, Captions, Technology

The accuracy of captions has long been a topic of debate. Now, the NER system is the best way to measure it. We let you know how it works.

A computer with an image of a woman on a laptop. A man sits in front of the laptop on a beanbag. He is also studying on a laptop. A graduation cap sits on the computer and a cat sits next to the computer.

4 Ways to Improve the University Experience for Students with ASD

Accessibility, College, University

Making the university experience valuable for students can be a challenging task. And for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the challenges can be even greater.

A person using a tablet device. The device screen pictures a young woman walking in a field. She is dressed in a colorful dress and a subtitle at the bottom of the screen reads: "I saw the sun rise over the hills for the first time."

Case Study: REGENTACT brings back beloved TV series with subtitles

Ai-Media, Captions, Case study, Streaming

REGENTACT reached out to Ai-Media to subtitle several TV shows in Chinese and English, helping them reach new audiences in Europe and the Americas.

A photograph of a circle of hands with graphics of people smiling together. Some people are using wheelchairs, others have guide dogs and hearing aids.

Why Accessible Information Is So Important During (and After) COVID-19

Accessibility, COVID-19

It has become obvious throughout the COVID-19 crisis that information is even more valuable at times like this. Accessibility can not be sidelined.

A person sitting at a desk with headphones on watching a captioned university lecture.

How Remote Captioning Makes Online Education Easier

Accessibility, Captions, College, Streaming, University

Remote captioning will be essential to support students with disability – and also their peers – as they continue to study from home.

A student on a Zoom meeting at their home desk. The Zoom meeting pictures a university science lecture and three other students on the call. Captions are displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Case Study: Griffith University delivers on accessible values

Ai-Media, Captions, Case study, Streaming

Griffith University’s accessibility values are part of daily life for students with disability. Ai-Media supports them to keep content captioned.

A stuntwoman wearing a suit and helmet inside an explosive illustration. She is flying through the air. Behind her is an old black-and-white photo of people gathering around racecars on a road.

Famous Deaf People: 15 Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People who Changed the World

The creativity and resilience of deaf and hard-of-hearing people is limitless. Here are 15 deaf and hard-of-hearing people who changed the world.

A person sits on a couch watching a performance of a hip hop performance from Manchester International Festival. Captions are displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Case Study: oXyFire Media Creative live streams festival

Ai-Media, Captions, Case study, Streaming

oXyFire Media Creative delivered a stellar, live-captioned live stream for the Manchester International Festival this year. The festival streamed to people’s homes during the COVID-19 crisis, with support from Ai-Media.

A human captioner smiling and wearing headphones. She sits in front of a computer. There is a notepad on her desk and a clock and a window behind her.

Should You Use Computer-Generated or Human-Generated Captions?

Accessibility, Captions, Streaming, Technology, Video

Are human-generated or computer-generated captions better for you? We break it down according to what you need: better accuracy, lower cost, less time and more.

A band of musicians playing on a stage. There is a crowd cheering below them.

Famous Deaf People: 12 Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Musicians

It’s a common misconception that deaf people can’t play or hear music. From Will.i.am to Grimes to Beethoven, many well known musicians are deaf and hard-of-hearing.

Three famous deaf people on a red carpet posing for the cameras. They are clearly famous actors. Paparazzi are surrounding them. Lights shine in the distance.

Famous Deaf People: 17 Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Actors