LinkedIn is updating video content with automatically generated captions and adding several new features to help people with accessibility needs.
With automatic captions, LinkedIn aims to make videos more accessible to those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or prefer to watch videos with sound.
LinkedIn will automatically add captions to videos during the upload process, which you can choose to implement immediately or review and edit for accuracy.
LinkedIn is also launching a high contrast mode for the mobile app that will adjust colors to improve accessibility for people with visual impairments.
New features for job postings and user profiles
As part of National Disability Awareness Month, LinkedIn is introducing a number of accessibility-focused enhancements to job postings and user profiles.
Accessibility Job Names.
LinkedIn reports a significant increase in the total annual number of job postings in the U.S. with the word “accessibility” in the job title, indicating a growing demand for accessibility professionals:
“… Our data shows that these job postings are up 171% since September 2019, indicating that companies are actively not only talking about it, but also taking steps to hire accessibility professionals who can help them create products and services that work for everyone.”
LinkedIn users in the accessibility industry can now choose a standardized title, such as “accessibility designer,” “chief accessibility officer,” or “accessibility engineer.”
LinkedIn says using standardized job titles can help workers find and hire for positions that match their qualifications.
A new dyslexic thinking skill for profiles
LinkedIn is partnering with Richard Branson and Made By Dyslexia to launch Dyslexic Thinking, a recognized skill users can add to their profiles.
“Through our research, we’ve learned that dyslexic thinkers are often able to simplify complex products or tasks and see connections that others might miss. This example shows that disability can also be seen as a strong and meaningful differentiator.”
Alternative text for advertising
Advertisers can now add text descriptions to image ads with the addition of alternative text (alt text) in Campaign Manager.
Alt-text allows blind or visually impaired people to understand the images presented in the ad.
New LinkedIn Training Course
A new course in the LinkedIn Learning library can help people develop accessibility skills.
The Practical Accessibility for Designers course, taught by instructor Chimmy Kalu, teaches you how to design and create accessible features online.
Availability
Automated video captions are rolling out in the coming weeks, and alt-text for ads is coming “soon.” All other features listed in this article are available now.
