Video Accessibility Guide

• Determine the audience for your video and consider their learning needs.
• Determine the objectives of your video.
  • Try to cover one objective per video. If there is more than one objective, provide a table of contents with time stamps so users can jump to an appropriate section.
• Write a script or storyboard to maintain focus while making the video and to make editing transcript files easier.
• When script writing, use simple language, targeted to your audience, with active voice.
• Avoid using jargon, abbreviations, or unusual words. If they must be used, explain the term or provide a link to a glossary.
• When script writing increase engagement by using first- and second- person pronouns.
• Design content with the most important information first as viewership tends to drop off near the end of the video.

• Create visual consistency by:
  • Having an introductory screen
  • Using common logos, images, or graphics
  • Using a consistent colour scheme and fonts
  • Having a closing screen which includes contact information
  • Smoothing your cursor.
• Give the video structure with sections, titles, and headings.
• Provide a verbal and visual outline of what is going to be covered in the video.
• Clearly state objectives in the introduction.
• Try to keep videos between three to five minutes.
  • Make a series of videos with chunked content instead of a long video.
  • Include chapter points in longer videos so users can jump to desired content.
• Any mouse action should also be replicable on the keyboard.
• Speak:
  • With a clear, projecting voice in a comfortable, conversational tone.
  • Slightly slower than usual, but still at a comfortable speed.
  • In shorter sentences with pauses between thoughts and frames so viewers can process information.
  • Avoid fillers phrases and sounds (“umm” and “hmm”) as they can be distracting and complicate captioning software.

• Carefully edit out extraneous noise and speech.
• Edit captioning transcripts in a text file, YouTube Studio, or Zoom Pro.
  • Consider creating a text only version of the transcript.

Consider making an alternate format such a pdf with static images.