In today’s digital-first world, healthcare organizations rely on video to educate patients, train staff, and share critical updates. But creating a compelling video isn’t enough—it must also be accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities or limited access to technology. Accessibility not only ensures compliance with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but also widens your audience and enhances your organization’s reputation for inclusivity.
Here’s how to make your healthcare videos accessible, with examples of best practices and strategies for optimizing content for any device.
1. Why Accessibility Matters in Healthcare Videos
Accessible videos ensure that everyone, regardless of ability or circumstance, can access vital healthcare information. For example:
- Patients with disabilities: Someone with hearing loss can benefit from captions, while a person with visual impairments may rely on descriptive audio.
- Diverse devices and environments: From smartphones to desktop computers, your videos must adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes and internet speeds.
- Legal compliance: Regulations such as Section 508 and the ADA require accessible digital content for certain organizations, including healthcare providers.
By prioritizing accessibility, you show commitment to equitable care and build trust with your audience.
2. Add Closed Captions and Subtitles
Captions and subtitles are critical for individuals with hearing impairments, non-native speakers, or anyone watching in a sound-sensitive environment.
Best Practices for Captions:
- Accuracy: Ensure captions match the spoken content verbatim, including important sounds like “[laughter]” or “[applause].”
- Timing: Sync captions perfectly with speech for smooth readability.
- Subtitles: Translate content into other languages to reach a broader audience.
Example: A hospital’s video about managing diabetes includes captions in English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for diverse communities.
3. Provide Audio Descriptions
Audio descriptions narrate key visual elements for viewers who are blind or have low vision. These descriptions should explain critical actions, text on screen, or changes in settings.
When to Use Audio Descriptions:
- In videos with significant visual information (e.g., an animated explainer on surgical procedures).
- For on-screen text, such as statistics or step-by-step instructions.
Example: A training video for healthcare staff describes charts and graphs, ensuring visually impaired team members understand the data.
4. Choose an Accessible Video Platform
Not all video players support accessibility features. Select a platform that includes:
- Keyboard Navigation: Allows users to interact with the video player without a mouse.
- Screen Reader Compatibility: Works seamlessly with assistive technologies like JAWS or NVDA.
- Customizable Settings: Enables viewers to adjust the font size, colors, or playback speed.
Example: A telehealth provider uses a video platform with built-in accessibility tools to ensure all patients can access instructional videos.
5. Optimize for Mobile and Low-Bandwidth Users
Healthcare videos should be accessible on any device, from smartphones to tablets, and function well even with slow internet speeds.
Mobile-Friendly Strategies:
- Use responsive video players that automatically adjust to screen size.
- Test videos on various devices to ensure compatibility.
- Avoid heavy file sizes by compressing videos without sacrificing quality.
Example: A patient education video on heart health streams smoothly on a smartphone, even in rural areas with limited bandwidth.
6. Ensure Clear Visuals and Audio
Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about making videos user-friendly for everyone.
Visual Tips:
- Use high contrast between text and background.
- Keep on-screen text large and legible.
- Avoid fast transitions or flashing lights, which may trigger seizures in viewers with epilepsy.
Audio Tips:
- Record clear, high-quality audio.
- Avoid background noise that may interfere with understanding.
Example: A CEO’s weekly video update features bold on-screen text summarizing key points, ensuring clarity for all viewers.
7. Tailor Videos to Specific Use Cases
Certain healthcare video types lend themselves well to accessibility enhancements:
- Patient Education: Simplify medical jargon and provide step-by-step instructions with captions and audio descriptions.
- Telehealth Tutorials: Ensure tutorials on how to use your telehealth platform are accessible on mobile devices and include captions.
- Staff Training: Provide flexible viewing options so staff can watch and review videos on their own time and device.
Example: A patient testimonial video includes subtitles and simple animations to explain the success of a new treatment.
8. Test and Gather Feedback
Before publishing, test your videos with diverse users, including individuals with disabilities, to identify any barriers.
Steps for Testing:
- Use screen readers to check compatibility.
- Evaluate captions and audio descriptions for accuracy.
- Gather feedback from viewers to continuously improve.
9. Monitor and Update Regularly
Accessibility standards evolve, and your videos should too. Regularly review your content to ensure it meets current guidelines and continues to serve your audience effectively.
Making your healthcare videos accessible isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a way to demonstrate care, inclusivity, and innovation. By adding features like captions, audio descriptions, and mobile optimization, you can create content that educates, engages, and empowers all viewers, regardless of their circumstances.
When everyone can access your videos, your organization becomes a trusted resource in the healthcare landscape.
Ready to create accessible and impactful healthcare videos? Contact us today to learn how we can help.
