Level AAAPerceivable
1.2.6

Sign Language (Prerecorded)

Provide a sign-language interpretation for prerecorded video with audio, for people who read sign language rather than captions.

In plain English

For many Deaf people, a signed language is their first language and written English is a second one they read less comfortably. Captions help, but a full sign-language interpretation of your video reaches them in their own language. This AAA rule asks for that signed version, shown in sync with the main video.

It is a high bar, and most stores meet the required A/AA media rules (captions and a transcript) first. This one matters most when video is central to how you sell.

Who this is for

  • Deaf people who use a signed language as their primary language.

How to check and fix it yourself

If you rely heavily on prerecorded video with speech, consider commissioning a sign-language interpretation track. It is usually shown as an inset video of the interpreter next to the main content.

Product video with captions only.                 ✓ meets AA
Same video + a synced sign-language interpreter.   ✓ meets this AAA rule

Where we can help

We tell you which of your videos already meet the required caption and transcript rules, and flag where a signed interpretation would add value for a heavily video-driven store. Media gaps show up on the common failures list.

How to meet it

Techniques the W3C accepts as sufficient (summarized). Follow a link for the full method.

Frequently asked questions

What does sign language (prerecorded) require?+

Success Criterion 1.2.6 (Level AAA) says prerecorded video that has audio should also be given a sign-language interpretation, shown in sync with the main video.

Isn't that covered by captions?+

Not fully. For many Deaf people, a signed language is their first language and written captions are a second language they read less fluently. A signed interpretation reaches them in the way captions cannot. This is why the rule exists on top of captions.

Does a typical store need this?+

It is Level AAA and rarely required. It becomes worth considering if video is central to your store, for example a brand that sells through detailed product videos. For most stores, captions and a transcript (the A/AA rules) are the priority.

Reference

This is a plain-language explainer. The authoritative source is the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2.

Understanding 1.2.6 ↗How to Meet 1.2.6 ↗

WCAG 2.2 © W3C. Excerpts are paraphrased; see the linked documents for the normative text.

Not sure if your store passes 1.2.6?

A human auditor checks this and every other criterion against your live store, and documents the result.

Book an audit