Communication Design Quarterly Jun 2024 Open Access

Accessible Sound: Aural Information Literacy for Technical Communication Design

Philip B. Gallagher Mercer University Health Sciences Center ; Marci J Gallagher

Abstract

This article confronts challenges faced by users of technical information with hearing impairments. The increase in digital documents since 2000 has led to multimodal technical multimedia that features aural information (i.e., meaningful sound). However, there is little effort to train technical communication professionals to make audio more accessible. Herein, we share how to use descriptions, captions and subtitles, transcription, and sign language to make sound an accessible part of today's digital life. We explain using four accessible design elements to address challenges faced by users of digital documentation who cannot hear the information. Ultimately, we support technical communicators seeking aural information justice for all.

Journal
Communication Design Quarterly
Published
2024-06-01
DOI
10.1145/3655727.3655732
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Topics
technical communication multimodality literacy studies
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