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We are living in a time when social media is at its peak. Platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok are gaining popularity and becoming a huge part of our lives. Social media helps keep us in the loop about current events, trends, and advice. It has established a large, beautiful community that connects people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Deaf Community on Social Media
One good example is the Deaf community. Because of social media, the Deaf community has become more visible. Many Deaf creators are appearing on different platforms, educating people about Deaf culture. People are now realizing that Deaf people are as capable of anything as anyone else.
Lack of Captions on Social Media Content
However, despite the Deaf community’s benefits from social media, there are also disadvantages, such as accessibility. Influencers and creators rarely caption their content, which limits positive experiences for Deaf people on social media. Captions are the key to understanding what is going on, so it is frustrating when Deaf people do not have access to it.
Adding Captions
As an influencer or creator, it is important to caption your content. Adding captions takes little time but will make a huge difference in a Deaf person’s experience watching your content. It is your responsibility to ensure that your content is accessible to everyone.
If you are not sure how to add captions properly, there are several options available. You can collaborate with Deaf creators who can help give you feedback to make sure your captions are clear and visible to the Deaf audience. You can also look up videos from Deaf creators or other content with clear captions to get an idea of what excellent captions should look like.
DeafBlind Community on Social Media
Captions are not the only way to make your content more accessible. Image descriptions also play a crucial role in the DeafBlind community’s experience on social media. While many people remember to add captions, they often overlook image descriptions due to their unique challenges. However, please add image descriptions for the DeafBlind community. Since people who are DeafBlind struggle to see images or videos, image descriptions will make them feel included.
Don’t be discouraged if you are unsure how to make image descriptions. Various resources are available for you. One article called “What is this ‘image description’ thing all about?” has clear instructions and excellent tips on how to make an effective image description. Even though the article mentions alternative text (alt text), do not use it for the DeafBlind community. It is a voice-based tool that is read aloud to people who can hear.
It will only take a few minutes of your time to add an image or video description. Those minutes would be worth it when people who are DeafBlind feel understood and seen in your content.
Be Part of the Change
Social media needs to improve its accessibility, and you can help by adding captions and image descriptions to your content. Your effort will make a powerful impact on the Deaf community, the DeafBlind community, and other people who need accessibility. They will recognize and appreciate the time you take to make sure your content is inclusive for everyone.