Accessible Yoga Instruction: Captions, Transcripts and Audio Description

Captions

Captions provide a text version of the speech and non-speech audio needed to understand content, synchronised with the video. In some regions the word subtitles is used for the same thing; elsewhere subtitles means translation into another language. Captions help people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, and people who process written information better than audio.

In yoga videos, useful captions include not only the teacher's words but meaningful sounds, such as a bell signalling the end of a hold.

• Check that captions are accurate, not just automatically generated with errors in pose names.
• Check that captions do not cover the teacher's body in the frame.
• Captions are hard to read in poses where you face away from the screen; plan to learn the sequence first.

Transcripts

A transcript is a text version of the audio, and a descriptive transcript adds the visual information needed to understand it. W3C notes that descriptive transcripts are needed for people who are both Deaf and blind, and that transcripts can be created from caption files.

For yoga, a transcript doubles as a written sequence you can read before practice, print, or enlarge.

Audio description

Audio description explains visual information in spoken form, for people who are blind or cannot see the video adequately. W3C notes that in instructional videos the speaker can often integrate these descriptions into the main narration, so no separate description track is needed.

In yoga, this means a teacher who says where to place the feet and hands, which side to start with, and what the body is doing, rather than 'do this'. Classes taught this way are also easier to follow for anyone not looking at the screen.

What accessible yoga instruction looks like

Use this as a checklist when choosing a class, video or app.

• Accurate captions, including meaningful non-speech sounds.
• A transcript or written sequence available.
• Verbal cues that describe positions fully, without relying on demonstration.
• Clear naming of the side being worked and how long to stay.
• Options described in words, not only shown.
• Controls that work with screen readers and keyboards, for online platforms.
• Good contrast and an uncluttered frame, so the teacher's body is easy to see.

In-person classes

Accessibility matters in the studio too.

• Ask whether the teacher can face the class when speaking, for lip-reading.
• Ask whether a hearing loop or microphone is available in larger rooms.
• Set up near the front or where the teacher's voice carries well.
• Let the teacher know if you need verbal description of demonstrations.
• If hands-on guidance is offered, agree explicit consent and a clear stop signal beforehand; declining is always an option.

What to ask a teacher or platform

Clear questions make it easier for providers to say yes, and to improve.

1. Are captions available, and are they human-reviewed?
2. Is there a transcript or written sequence?
3. Does the teacher describe poses verbally in enough detail to follow without watching?
4. Can I try a free session to check?
5. Who do I contact about accessibility problems?

Safety when instructions are hard to follow

If you cannot follow a cue, stop in a resting position rather than guessing. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health advises practising under the guidance of a qualified instructor; a teacher who can communicate with you in a way that works for you is part of that.