General Accessibility Advice for Panopto

UCL is committed to ensuring that all students can access and engage with their learning materials. As part of this, video content on Panopto should meet a high standard of accessibility. This guide outlines what you can expect from your recorded content and how you can use Panopto's features to enhance your learning experience.

What You Should Expect from Panopto Recordings

Your lecturers and module leads are encouraged to create videos that are as accessible as possible. Here’s what you may find in your Panopto recordings:

Accurate Captions

All Panopto recordings are automatically captioned. However, UCL staff are advised to check and correct these captions for accuracy. This ensures they reflect what is actually being said—vital for students who are D/deaf, have hearing impairments, are studying in noisy environments, or are learning in a second language.

Downloadable Transcripts

Some recordings may include a downloadable transcript—a written version of the video’s spoken content. Transcripts are useful for revision and provide an alternative way to access information, especially for those who prefer to read or take notes.

Descriptive Audio

If a video includes important visual content—such as graphs, diagrams, or demonstrations—creators are encouraged to describe these visuals verbally or include audio descriptions. This makes the content accessible to students with visual impairments.

Chapters and Navigation

Longer videos may include chapter markers to break the content into sections. This helps you navigate quickly to specific parts of the video and makes reviewing material easier.

How You Can Enhance Your Experience

Panopto includes built-in tools to help you personalise your viewing experience and study more effectively:

Keyboard Navigation

You can use the keyboard to control video playback and navigate the interface—useful if you don’t use a mouse or have a motor disability.

Playback Speed

Adjust the playback speed to suit your pace—slow it down to take notes or speed it up for review.

Customisable Captions

You can change the size, colour, and background of the captions to improve readability and comfort.

Search Within Videos

Use the search bar to find specific words or phrases in the transcript. Clicking a result will take you directly to that point in the video—ideal for locating key information quickly.

Getting Support

If something isn’t working for you, there are ways to get help:

Report an Issue

If a video has incorrect captions, lacks descriptions for key visuals, or presents another barrier, contact the module lead or teaching staff. They are responsible for making their content accessible.

Digital Accessibility Services

For broader digital access support or to raise an issue that isn’t module-specific, contact UCL’s Digital Accessibility Team. They can provide advice and help resolve problems.

Student Disability Services

If you have a long-term health condition, disability, or specific learning difference, you can register with UCL's Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing Service for support. They can advise on accessing learning technologies and recommend reasonable adjustments.