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Help your students by making content in your subject accessible using this LX Accessible Content Practice – avoid or provide warnings for flashing content in your subject site or classes.
Overview of flashing content
Flashing content is usually contained within videos and GIFs, but can include anything sudden visual changes on the screen. For students who are susceptible to seizures, anything that has strobing, flickering, or flashing effects can trigger an episode. For students with vestibular issues this content can cause dizziness and nausea. If a student has difficulties reading or concentrating it can prevent them from getting the information they need.
These issues can be exacerbated if the student is unable to pause the flashing content.
What you can do
Avoid
It’s good practice to avoid flashing content or content that cannot be paused like GIFs.
Warn
If you cannot avoid flashing content as it is important for your class, make sure you include a warning before the flashing content.
Example text for warnings
You can use the text below if you need to warn students about flashing content:
Seizure trigger warning!
The following video/GIF contains visuals and sustained flashing lighting that may affect those who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy or have other photosensitivities.
Remember, if you cannot avoid flashing content it’s important to include a warning beforehand – both in your subject site and in class.
Limit
If you are using GIFs, limit these to one per page (as more can be distracting).
Alternative text
Add alternative text to any GIFs to convey the meaning of the image for those who are unable to view it.
The technical definition of flashing content is the Three flashes or below threshold: Web pages do not contain anything that flashes more than three times in any one second period, or the flash is below the general flash and red flash thresholds.
Not all moving content is considered flashing, but if you’re worried it’s best to following the recommendations of:
- Avoid
- Warn
- Limit
- Alternative text