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Creating accessible healthcare communications isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a pathway to equity in healthcare.

At Laundry Lane, we believe in creating content that ensures no one is left behind. Here are some tips on how to make your videos and animations more accessible.

Why Accessible Communication Matters in Healthcare

Accessible healthcare communication ensures that all patients—no matter their background or abilities—can access, understand, and engage with important health messages. This is especially vital for communities that are often underserved or face additional barriers, such as:

  • First Nations people and communities
  • People from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities
  • People with disability
  • People with low levels of English literacy
  • People who are neurodiverse

NSW Health’s Accessible Communications Policy underscores the importance of making healthcare messages clear, understandable, and available in a range of formats to accommodate diverse needs. By following best practices for accessibility, healthcare providers can ensure that their messages reach all patients effectively, improving outcomes and fostering trust.

Key Strategies for Accessible Video & Animation


Cultural Sensitivity & Representation

For First Nations people and CALD communities, cultural sensitivity is essential. Use culturally appropriate images, language, and storytelling techniques. Involve community members in the content creation process to ensure messages resonate and avoid cultural misinterpretations. Whenever possible, create versions of the content in languages spoken by these communities.

Plain Language and Visual Cues for Low Literacy Audiences

For people with low levels of English literacy, clear and simple language is critical. Avoid complex medical jargon and opt for short, straightforward sentences. Visual cues, such as icons or images, can reinforce the message. You can also incorporate voiceovers or narration in various languages to help bridge literacy gaps.

Use of Closed Captions & Audio Descriptions

Closed captions are vital for people with hearing impairments, but they also benefit neurodiverse individuals and people with low English literacy. Additionally, audio descriptions should be included to describe key visual elements for those with visual impairments, ensuring they receive the full message.

Accessibility for People with Disabilities

Ensure that your videos and animations are accessible to people with a range of disabilities. This includes providing captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts, but also making sure that content is compatible with screen readers and other assistive technologies. Be mindful of color contrasts and avoid using flashing visuals that could trigger seizures or be confusing to viewers.

Culturally Diverse Voiceovers & Multilingual Options

For CALD communities, offering multilingual voiceovers or subtitles in commonly spoken languages can significantly enhance understanding. Including culturally diverse voice actors and relatable stories in the animation or video can also increase engagement and trust with these communities.

Supporting First Nations People and Communities

First Nations communities often have a strong tradition of oral storytelling. Engaging with this tradition by incorporating storytelling techniques that reflect their culture can make healthcare messages more relatable. Whenever possible, co-design the content with community members to ensure it is culturally appropriate. Using Aboriginal languages in the videos, or providing audio options, further ensures the message is understood and embraced.

Considerations for Neurodiverse Audiences

People who are neurodiverse—such as those with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia—often benefit from structured and predictable content:

  • Clear, Predictable Structure: Break content into smaller segments, with clear markers or transitions between topics. This helps neurodiverse individuals process information more easily.
  • Simple, Focused Visuals: Avoid busy or overly complex animations that could overwhelm some viewers. Stick to clean, clear visuals that highlight the main message without distraction.
  • Multiple Formats for Learning: People learn differently, so offer information in various formats (visual, auditory, and text-based) to cater to individual preferences.

Conclusion

By making videos and animations accessible to all audiences—whether it’s through multilingual options, cultural sensitivity, or inclusive design—healthcare providers can ensure their messages reach the people who need them most.

Creating accessible healthcare communications isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a pathway to equity in healthcare. Accessible communication makes healthcare more inclusive and effective.

By developing video and animation content that respects and addresses the needs of Aboriginal communities, CALD individuals, people with disabilities, those with low literacy, and neurodiverse audiences, we ensure everyone can access the care they deserve.

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