Media Alternative (Prerecorded)
An alternative for time-based media is provided for all prerecorded synchronized media and for all prerecorded video-only media.
In plain language
For recorded videos, there should be a complete text version available — not just captions or an audio description, but a full written account of everything: dialogue, sounds, and visual details, in order.
Why it matters
People who are both deaf and blind can't use captions (can't see them) or audio description (can't hear it). A full text alternative, which they can access through a braille display, is the only way for them to get the complete content.
In practice
Fails this criterion
A training video with voice-over and visual demonstrations has no text version at all — someone who is deaf-blind has no way to access it.
Meets this criterion
The same video is accompanied by a complete transcript describing every action, all dialogue, and the visual context in order, so it can be read through a braille display.
Test it yourself
Look for a recorded video with both dialogue and important visual content. Is there a complete text version (beyond simple captions) describing everything that happens, in sequence?