Audiovisual translation in education towards a universal design for accessible online content

Abstract

The aim of this research project is to investigate the current role and the potential of Audiovisual Translation in online education environments for the purpose of enhancing accessibility for adult learners with sensory impairments, with the use of subtitling for deaf and hard-of-hearing people and audio description for blind and visually-impaired people.

In order to provide a holistic theoretical background for this study, essential connections are established among Disability Studies, Audiovisual Translation, Online Education and Information Communication Technology, with focus on Accessible Web and Assistive Technology. The ultimate goal is to analyse the educational use of audiovisual content and its provision with access services in a comprehensive manner. Under the principles of Universal Design for Learning, and guided by existing standards for accessible web content as well as guidelines for accessible audiovisual material for educational purposes, a range of strategies is proposed for the successful provision of audiovisual content for the benefit of university-level learners with sensory impairments.

The research also includes an investigation of the way in which a sample of universities around the world provide accessible education and online learning, the role of audiovisual content and translation practices in this context and the general framework within which these are provided. The analysis of the data collected is used as a reference indicator of current accessibility practices in higher education and can help in understanding how best to design e-learning platforms. It can also offer an understanding of the circumstances under which accessibility is provided and the level to which it is offered in a higher education context.

4 The project explores scenarios for the implementation of audiovisual translation solutions in accessible online platforms, and suggests prototypes that accommodate audiovisual content and access services. Ultimately, this project aims to highlight the importance of audiovisual translation and access services in the education of individuals with sensory impairments and to promote future research in this area.