WCAG Guideline 1.2.6: Sign Language (Prerecorded) Explained
Estimated read time: 8–10 minutes
Guideline 1: Perceivable
The first principle of WCAG, Perceivable, ensures that information and user interface components must be presented to users in ways they can perceive. This means content can’t be invisible to all of a user’s senses—whether they are seeing, hearing, or feeling the content through assistive technology.
Guideline 1.2: Time-based Media
Guideline 1.2 focuses on making time-based media—like audio and video—accessible to everyone. This includes providing alternatives such as transcripts, captions, and audio descriptions so users with different abilities can access the content.
What Is Guideline 1.2.6 Sign Language (Prerecorded)?
"Sign language interpretation is provided for all prerecorded audio content in synchronized media."
Guideline 1.2.6 is a Level AAA requirement in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) .
- All prerecorded video content with audio should have a sign language interpretation track or overlay.
- Sign language interpretation makes content accessible to users who are deaf and use sign language as their primary means of communication.
- This is especially important for educational, governmental, and public service content.
This ensures that users who rely on sign language can fully understand your video content.
Why Does It Matter?
- Inclusivity: Sign language interpretation provides access for users who are deaf and use sign language.
- Legal Compliance: This is a Level AAA requirement in WCAG 2.2.
- Usability: Enhances understanding for users who prefer sign language over written captions.
For more, see W3C's sign language docs .
What Needs Sign Language Interpretation?
- Prerecorded video content with audio (webinars, tutorials, online courses)
- Any synchronized media with spoken content
All such media should have sign language interpretation available.
How to Provide Sign Language Interpretation
- Record or embed a sign language interpreter in the video
- Offer a separate sign language track or overlay
- Make the sign language option easy to enable and view
- Ensure interpretation is accurate and synchronized
For more, see W3C's sign language docs .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- No sign language interpretation for video content
- Interpretation that is out of sync or hard to see
- Not making the sign language option easy to find
- Using unqualified interpreters
Audit your site regularly and use accessibility checkers to ensure all video content has proper sign language interpretation. For more, see ADA.gov's Effective Communication guidance .
Differences Between A, AA, and AAA for Guideline 1.2.6 in WCAG 2.2
- Level A: No requirement for 1.2.6.
- Level AA: No requirement for 1.2.6.
- Level AAA: Requires sign language interpretation for all prerecorded audio content in synchronized media. This is the core requirement for 1.2.6 and is mandatory for AAA conformance.
For more, see the W3C’s official documentation for 1.2.6 Sign Language (Prerecorded) .
Quick Checklist
- All prerecorded video content with audio has sign language interpretation
- Interpretation is accurate and synchronized
- Sign language option is easy to enable and view
- Interpreters are qualified and clear
- Tested with users and assistive technology
Summary
Guideline 1.2.6 is essential for making video content accessible to users who rely on sign language. By providing sign language interpretation, you support users with disabilities, improve usability, and meet AAA requirements. Make sign language a standard part of your video production process for maximum inclusion.