How can captions improve accessibility in multimedia?

Captions significantly enhance accessibility in multimedia by providing text alternatives for audio content. This is particularly important for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as it allows them to engage with the audio components of videos, podcasts, or other multimedia presentations through written text. Captions convey spoken dialogue as well as important non-verbal sounds, such as sound effects or music cues that contribute to the understanding of the content. By ensuring that audio information is accessible in a written format, captions play a crucial role in making multimedia content inclusive and comprehensible for a wider audience. This aligns with accessibility guidelines and best practices designed to support equitable access to information for diverse users.