What accessibility features does Panopto offer?

Panopto includes several built-in features that can improve access to video content, including:

• Automatic captions (machine-generated) and editable captions
• Transcripts (downloadable by creators in many setups)
• Chapters / Table of Contents for easier navigation
• Playback controls (speed, skip, volume, captions on/off)
• Keyboard accessibility (player controls usable without a mouse)
• Screen reader support (works with common assistive technologies)
• Published documentation on accessibility standards/compliance (via its conformance reporting)

Captions and transcripts

Does Panopto generate captions automatically?

Yes. Panopto uses Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) to generate captions (in 20+ languages). This can support Deaf/hard-of-hearing students, and many multilingual learners.

Why should I edit automatic captions?

Incorrect captions can change meaning and create barriers for students who rely on them. Editing captions improves:

• Comprehension
• Searchability (captions often power search)
• Accessibility compliance where accurate captioning is required

What’s the key limitation with bilingual/multilingual speech?

Panopto typically selects one “dominant” language. If you switch languages mid-video, captions may become inaccurate (e.g., English phrases interpreted as French, or vice versa). In those cases, caption editing is especially important.

How do I edit captions?

After the video finishes processing:

1. Open the video
2. Select Edit / Open in Editor
3. Go to Captions
4. Correct errors and save/apply changes

If needed, adjust caption language settings based on your recording.

How do I get a transcript?

As a creator, you can go to Captions -> Available Captions –> Download file 

Navigation and cognitive accessibility

How do chapters improve accessibility?

Chapters (Table of Contents entries) help students:

• Jump directly to relevant sections
• Review difficult concepts without rewatching the full video
• Manage longer recordings (especially helpful for focus and processing)

How do I add chapters in Table of Contents, or edit existing chapter titles?

1. Open the video and choose Edit
2. Go to Contents
3. Add a title at key timestamps (topic shifts, key definitions, new examples)
4. Apply/save and review that titles match the content
   
   
   
   

   Tip: Use clear, descriptive chapter titles (e.g., “Example: balancing chemical equations” instead of “Part 2”).

    

Player controls 

What playback controls support accessibility?

Panopto allows viewers to:

• Change playback speed (slow down or speed up)
• Use captions (when available)
• Skip forward/back and adjust volume

These options support different learning preferences and needs, including students who benefit from slower pacing or repeated review.

Keyboard and screen reader access

Is Panopto usable without a mouse?

Yes. Panopto’s player controls and interface are designed to be reachable by keyboard (commonly using Tab/Enter and shortcuts).

Common shortcuts include:

• Spacebar: Play/Pause
• Arrow keys: Skip and/or adjust volume (depends on context)
• M: Mute/Unmute
   

Does Panopto support screen readers?

Yes. Panopto is designed to work with widely used screen readers such as:

• JAWS
• NVDA
• VoiceOver (Mac)

This helps blind/low-vision users navigate the interface and access content via assistive technology.

Audio description and visual information

What if important information is only shown visually?

If critical content is visual (e.g., lab demonstrations, diagrams, on-screen steps), you can include spoken descriptions of what’s happening.

For example, if there is a pause while the instructor gets items and arranges them, you can tag the caption with:

• <v Audio Descriptions> Instructor attaching a flask to the stand and turning the gas knob to ignite the Bunsen burner

This supports students who can’t see the screen clearly and improves the usefulness of audio-only review.

More information here:
https://support.panopto.com/s/article/How-to-Add-Audio-Descriptions

Accessibility standards

Does Panopto align with accessibility standards?

Panopto publishes an Accessibility Conformance Report describing how it aligns with accessibility guidelines/standards. This is helpful for departments and course teams that need to document accessibility considerations.