Accessibility Services: Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Digital Media

hoopla endeavors to provide closed captioning for all video content when available. They also have an accessibility statement.

Kanopy offers accessibility features for Deaf or hard of hearing users, as follows:

• Closed captioning is available for all video content.
• Kanopy is working to upgrade their video player to support audio description and are experimenting by adding audio description with some pilot films for users. Following this, they will be able to make audio described versions of films when available from our content partners. 

DVDs

The Library's large DVD collection includes titles with assistive features such as closed captioning for Deaf and hard of hearing patrons. You can search for titles with closed captioning by doing a keyword search for Video recordings for the hearing impaired.

To see whether a particular title has assistive features, scroll down and select the Full Details link under the About section heading.

On the Full Details page, you can find accessibility options by scrolling down to the Subject and genre heading, specifically the Genre subheading, as shown below:

You can also find accessibility options under the Notes section, specifically the Accessibility Features subheading, as shown below:

Please note that a Catalog search may not be exhaustive; assistive features such as closed captioning and descriptive video are not always included in an item's individual catalog record.

The Austin Public Library offers in-person and over-the-phone video interpretation services via Voiance, a Language Line provider. This video-call service is provided at every library branch—approach any staff member or call 512-974-7400.

The Library's podcast, APL Volumes, has episode transcripts available. The transcripts can be found on the APL Volumes page of the Library's website.

The Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is the center for awareness and education on deaf and hard of hearing issues and services in Texas. They offer connections to resources and services such as summer programs for children, communication services for one-time events, driver visor cards, and more.

You can access the majority of databases from home with a valid Library Card number and password. Forgot your password? If you do not have a Library Card, you can access databases by logging on to any Library computer or by connecting your personal device to the Library's WiFi network at any APL location. You can also apply for a Library card online.

All TexShare databases are ADA-compliant and each resource should have an associated Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) to render them accessible to users with blindness/low vision, Deaf or hard of hearing users or users with mobility issues. These can be found by visiting our All Digital Resources page and selecting "TexShare" under the "Access" filter.