Lidia Best , CPACC dropped into my DMs recently to give me a nudge, and not the kind I could brush off. She pointed out that my dynamic captions, which I’ve been so proud of, weren’t accessible for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Dynamic captions are animated, often moving text that highlights specific parts of speech or visually syncs with the tone of the video. They’re flashy and engaging, often used by content creators to add a bit of flair. But here’s the catch: unlike static captions, which provide straightforward, consistent text at the bottom of the screen, dynamic captions can be difficult to follow for those who rely on captions for accessibility. My first reaction? Defensiveness. I mean, I knew about the accessibility issues, but I loved those captions. They’re flashy, fun, and let me play in the same league as younger creators with huge followings. They felt like a badge of pride—a sign that I was keeping up with the times.

Caught Between Passion and Responsibility

Lidia’s message forced me to confront the tension between my identity as a creator, a scientist, and an advocate. I had invested a lot—emotionally and financially—in the software that made those dynamic captions possible. They allowed me to produce content that felt fresh and engaging, and let’s face it, a bit flashy. But Lidia’s gentle, yet firm, reminder brought me back to the core of what I stand for: inclusion. My initial response to her was to question the standards, cite research, and cling to my beloved captions. But as our conversation unfolded, it became clear that my personal attachment was at odds with the values I’ve committed to championing.

Key Takeaways

• Balance Ego and Advocacy: It's easy to get attached to the tools and methods that make us feel relevant and creative, but advocacy requires a readiness to prioritize inclusion over personal preferences.

• Listen to the Community: Data is important, but the lived experiences of those we aim to include are just as critical. Dynamic captions may look cool, but they weren't working for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities I’m committed to supporting.

• Continuous Learning: Leadership in inclusion means recognizing when it's time to adjust, even if it’s uncomfortable. I needed to let go of the dynamic captions, knowing that inclusivity has to come first.

Lesson Learned

Advocacy over ego, every time. It’s tempting to stick with what makes us feel innovative, but if it isn’t accessible, it’s not truly innovative.

P.S. Let's keep pushing for evidence-based standards in accessibility—Lidia and I have more work to do, and I’m grateful she spoke up. Tagging Lidia Best , CPACC Best and 🦻 Meryl Evans, CPACC (deaf) for their ongoing advocacy, and encouraging you all to join the conversation.