Accessibility Production

Key Points

• Integrated three major accessibility features: Closed Captions (CC), SDH subtitles, and six-dot Braille code
• Continuously improving accessibility production process since 2021, with Braille system introduced in February 2025
• Closed Captions and SDH provide complete audio information, including dialogue, sound effects, and ambient sound descriptions
• Braille content provided in standard ".BRF" format, supporting mainstream Braille display devices
• Chinese Braille supports both pinyin-annotated and non-annotated formats, with English Braille version also available

Since hitorino-II's debut in 2021, we've continually introduced advanced accessibility features within the virtual idol industry, pioneering the use of Audio Description and Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (SDH). With the next-generation update in February 2025, we've gone even further by integrating Braille into our comprehensive production system, striving to deliver an inclusive and accessible experience for users with diverse needs.

Closed Captions (CC)

Closed captions are subtitles specifically designed for people with hearing impairments. They function similarly to SDH but offer greater flexibility in presentation. Unlike traditional subtitles, which typically display only spoken dialogue, closed captions convey additional auditory information, including sound effects, background music, speaker identities, and other ambient sounds, providing a more complete audiovisual experience. The term "closed" indicates captions are optional, allowing users to enable or disable them via device or player settings based on individual needs, rather than always displaying them on-screen.

Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (SDH)

SDH subtitles are explicitly created for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. They not only translate dialogue into text but also vividly describe environmental sound effects, background music, and variations in volume. For instance, the subtitles might note cues such as "Doorbell ringing," "Background music intensifies," or describe the speaker's tone, ensuring hearing-impaired viewers gain a viewing experience comparable to that of other audiences.

Braille

Braille is a tactile reading system specifically designed for people with visual impairments. It uses a matrix of six dots arranged in two columns and three rows, with each unique pattern representing letters, numbers, or symbols:

1 4
2 5
3 6

Each dot is assigned a fixed numerical designation. For instance, raising only dot 1 represents the letter "A," while raising dots 1 and 5 together denotes the letter "B," and so forth. This versatile combination allows Braille to cover characters, numerals, and punctuation across various languages, serving as a crucial tool for visually impaired individuals in reading, writing, and daily information acquisition. Nowadays, Braille is widely used in books, educational materials, and public spaces such as signage and buttons, providing visually impaired users convenient access to information.

The Braille integration for hitorino virtual idols includes:

• A Chinese Braille format based on Hanyu Pinyin (both with and without tone annotations).
• Standard English Braille.

Our programs offer Braille files in the standard ".BRF" format, compatible with mainstream Braille displays or printers. These files are made available for download on WCAG-compliant web pages specifically designed for visually impaired users. The download links are prominently positioned within the description sections of our shows for easy accessibility.