Accessibility isn’t a luxury – it’s a basic human right. In the modern age, where digital content are everywhere, captions for videos are more than just a “nice to have.” They are essential for ensuring that everyone, including deaf or hard-of-hearing people, has equal access to information and entertainment. One day I’ve noticed someone allowing their audience to vote on whether to include captions. How is that the right thing to do? It’s disrespectful.
Accessibility is not a democracy
Accessibility features like captions should not be subjected to a majority vote. Doing so minimises the needs of those who rely on such features for accessing content. It takes away the right to accessible content from those who need it most. When accessibility is turned into a democratic choice, it perpetuates inequality by enabling the majority to decide what’s “important” and what’s not.
The deaf and hard-of-hearing community may be a minority, but their needs should not be sidelined. By allowing your audience to vote on whether or not to include captions, you’re inadvertently creating an environment where the majority can easily overlook the minority. The act of delegating accessibility to a popularity contest is absolutely exclusionary and neglects the very purpose of accessibility – to create an equitable space for all.
Captions are good for everyone
Captions aren’t just beneficial for those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. They also serve individuals for whom English may not be their first language, helping to boost understanding. In noisy environments or in situations where audio can’t be played, captions are very helpful. Thus, the scope of people who benefit from captions is far broader than we may initially perceive.
Legal & ethical implications
Ignoring the need for captions isn’t just morally questionable – it may also expose you to legal risks. Several countries have laws mandating the inclusion of captions in public and commercial videos to ensure equal access for all. Neglecting this could result in fines or legal proceedings, making it a poor business practice overall.
Above all, the issue of omitting captions when they are clearly needed goes beyond practical considerations. Creating content that is accessible doesn’t just make good business sense – it’s the right thing to do. If you claim to value your audience, it’s vital to consider all your audience members.
Turning the inclusion of captions into an option that people can vote on offends principles of equality and accessibility. It’s important that we don’t treat accessibility features as optional extras, and instead recognise them for what they truly are – indispensable tools that enable everyone to engage with digital content fully. So, the next time you’re thinking of letting your audience vote on whether to include captions, remember that some things are too important to be left up to a majority rule. Make your content accessible for everyone – no vote needed.
Leave a Reply