What are the accessibility concerns around digital signs?

Because digital signs are simply large digital screens mounted in public places, content that doesn't meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) AA-level requirements means that people with certain disabilities might not be able to access the content on the screen. It also opens the University up to legal risk. 

Digital signage used in public-facing university spaces should be created and maintained to conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA as part of UVM’s ADA Title II accessibility obligations.

What are some physical risks associated with digital sign content?

Content posted on large wall or desk screens is designed to be in the viewing path of large numbers of the campus community. Digital signs are positioned to be often unavoidable as community members move through buildings. 

But some content on laptop, desktop, or phone screens can cause headaches, migraines, nausea, or even seizures for members of the campus community who are photo-sensitive, have certain types of neurodiversity, or have seizure disorders (such as epilepsy).

Even animations that do not exceed flashing thresholds may still create accessibility barriers (e.g., dizziness, nausea, distraction).  Departments should minimize motion and avoid continuous or looping animation where possible.

What accessibility standards and legal considerations apply to digital sign content?

• Effective Communication requirements (ADA Title II)
• WCAG 2.1 Level AA, particularly:
  • 2.3.1 (Three Flashes or Below Threshold)
  • 2.2.2 (Pause, Stop, Hide)
  • 1.4.x (Contrast and readability)

What signage does this guidance apply to?

This guidance applies to all digital signage used in public-facing campus spaces, including student centers, academic buildings, dining areas, and events. This guidance also applies to all centrally and departmentally managed digital signage displays used for communication with students, employees, or the public.

Content that does not meet accessibility expectations will need to be remediated. If remediation is not possible, the content will need to be removed.

Required Practices for Digital Sign Content at UVM

• No flashing content that exceeds three flashes per second
• Avoid high-contrast rapid animations (even if technically under the threshold)
• Prefer slow transitions (e.g., fade in/out)
• All video content must include accurate captions
• Avoid auto-playing audio
• Ensure text is readable, high contrast, and persists long enough to be read 

Where full accessibility cannot be achieved, departments must ensure equally effective alternate access to the information. This could take the form of an audio version of the information available via QR code on handouts positioned close to the sign in question, or Braille signage, raised tactile characters, high-contrast print, and audio beacons. Reach out to the Office of Accessibility Services if any of these items are of interest to your department.

Here's a good basic rule:

“If it could trigger dizziness, nausea, or distraction, it shouldn’t be on a public-facing screen.”

Preferred Accessible Design for Digital Signage

• Static or mostly static content
• Slow transitions (fade in/out)
• No continuous motion backgrounds
• Text displayed long enough to read comfortably. Avoid rapid auto-advancing slides.
• High contrast and simple layouts
• Accurate captions. Avoid reliance on auto-captions alone.

How to get help determining whether your digital sign content is accessible

If you are not sure whether your digital sign content is accessible, the Office of Accessibility Services is happy to review digital sign content to ensure accessibility before the content gets published. Additionally, the Office of Accessibility Services is happy to provide UVM staff with consultations or training on how to create accessible digital sign content, and how to measure the accessibility of existing sign content.

Departments are responsible for ensuring that digital signage content meets these expectations.

Reach out to the Office of Accessibility Services at access@uvm.edu, or call (802) 656-7753, or fill out our contact form to ask questions or schedule an appointment.

What should you do if you are being negatively impacted by a digital sign on campus?

If you are being negatively impacted by a digital sign on campus, take your concern seriously. If possible, move away from the area where the sign is located and get to an area where you feel safer and less affected. Your health and safety are the most important concern. 

After you have moved to an area of safety, please alert the Office of Accessibility Services of the potential issue with the digital sign by filling out the Report an Accessibility Barrier form. If you are not sure whether the sign is a problem, err on the side of caution by filling out the form so that the Office of Accessibility Services can check on the content before someone else may experience negative symptoms from it.