LinkedIn is introducing several new features to make the site more accessible for those with disabilities, such as automatic captions for videos.
LinkedIn is enhancing videos using automatically generated captions and adding new features to help people with disabilities.
With automatically generated captions, LinkedIn targets to make videos more accessible to people who are hearing impaired or prefer watching videos without sound.
LinkedIn automatically adds captions for videos during the upload process. You can decide to apply immediately or edit to ensure accuracy.
In addition, LinkedIn is rolling out the high-contrast mode in the mobile application, which will change colors to enhance accessibility for those with visual impairments.
New Features for User Profiles and Job Postings
In tribute of National Disability Employment Awareness Month(NDEAM), LinkedIn is introducing several accessibility-focused enhancements to job postings and user profiles.
Job titles for accessibility
LinkedIn reports that there’s been a substantial increase in the overall amount of U.S. job postings with the word “accessibility” in the title, suggesting the growing need for accessibility experts:
“… Our data show that the number of job ads has been up 171% since September, indicating that employers are not just talking about it but also taking steps to find accessibility specialists who can assist in the creation of solutions and products that are accessible for all people.”
Today, LinkedIn users who work in the accessibility field can select a common name such as “accessibility designer,” chief accessibility officer,” or “accessibility engineer.”
LinkedIn claims that standard job titles can aid people in getting noticed and being found for positions that fit their qualifications.
New "Dyslexic Thinking" Skill for Profiles
LinkedIn is working in partnership with Richard Branson and Made By Dyslexia to launch Dyslexic Thinking, a recognized ability that users can include in their profiles.
“Through our studies and study, we found that people with dyslexic thinking are typically capable of simplifying complicated tasks and making connections that others cannot see. This is a great example of how the disability is also seen as a benefit and a significant distinct feature.”
Alt Text for Ads
Advertisers can now include text descriptions in advertisements using images by adding alternative texts (alt-text) within Campaign Manager.
Alt text allows visually impaired people to read the images in an advertisement.
New LinkedIn Learning Course
A new course offered in LinkedIn Learning Library could aid people in gaining abilities in the accessibility field.
The Practical Accessibility for Designers course taught by Instructor Chimmy Kalu teaches you how to create accessible web pages.
Accessibility
Automatic captions for videos will be available in the coming weeks, and alt-text for advertisements is expected to be available “soon.” Other features described on this page are accessible right now.
