As a user with low vision, I have discovered that custom video backgrounds can be either super helpful tools for making it easier to concentrate on video calls or super distracting tools that make it harder to concentrate. Factors such as background choice, environmental lighting, and speaker movement all play a role in how video backgrounds are perceived by users, and I often consider these things when deciding whether I should turn off incoming video when someone is speaking. Here is a list of tips and strategies for choosing custom video backgrounds for low vision audiences, written by a student with low vision that experiences double vision, blurred vision, and photophobia (sensitivity to light).
Advantages of custom video backgrounds for low vision
When I work with students that are impacted by visual clutter or that have trouble identifying items when there are so many things in the background, custom video backgrounds can be a great strategy for removing clutter and making it easier to focus on the speaker. I have also used this strategy to show off images on a call at a large scale, instead of sharing my screen and displaying an image within the window— in this case, I usually hide myself from the camera so that the user can focus on the image.
Specific advantages of using custom video backgrounds for low vision audiences can include:
- Decreases or eliminates visual clutter, which plays a strong role in visual fatigue for those with neurological visual impairment (CVI).
- Simplifies the background to make it easier to see the speaker on the screen.
- Blocks out surrounding area, which can be useful if someone does not want to show private information that may be in the background (such as school memorabilia, items with full name, other people in the background) or furniture
- Background graphics can be edited to provide large print text labels, e.g. speaker name.
- Students can design their own virtual backgrounds to show off their art skills and add a personal touch to meetings.
A virtual background can either be an entirely new image or simply blurring out a user’s surroundings. When working with students that are impacted by visual clutter, I prefer to use a different background entirely instead of just blurring out surroundings, since many students find this easier to see.
Related links
- How I Decorate A Bedroom For CVI
- Ten “Odd” Things I Do With Double Vision
- Disability Accommodations For Fluctuating Eyesight
- Common Classroom Accommodations For Low Vision
Cases for avoiding custom video backgrounds with low vision audiences
Conflicting access needs exist, and what is “accessible” for one individual with low vision may be considered “inaccessible” to someone else! Custom video backgrounds can be seen as disorienting, distracting, or even physically painful for some users with low vision. Some potential disadvantages to consider when choosing custom video backgrounds for low vision audiences include:
- Backgrounds can be visually complex and make it even harder to focus on who is talking. This is especially true for images that have a lot of patterns, bright colors, shapes, or photos.
- Small, narrow patterns can contribute to vertigo or be a potential trigger for photosensitive epilepsy, vestibular disorders, or migraines.
- Poor environmental lighting can make the speaker appear more washed out or have low contrast colors.
- Sometimes, poor contrast can cause a user to “blend in” to the background, especially if they wear clothing that is a similar color.
- Backgrounds may not render correctly and can cause unwanted visual effects if a speaker moves/shifts around a lot.
If someone’s virtual background is distracting or disorienting, I recommend turning off incoming video so that they are only sharing audio. This functionality is available on several popular videoconferencing applications, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet (referred to as “don’t watch”). The user will not know that their incoming video has been turned off, and other participants will not be affected.
Related links
- Five Common Technology Behaviors That Hurt My Brain
- How I Take Notes During Video Lectures With Low Vision
- Modifying Assignments To Remove Flashing Lights
- How To Make Things On The Board Easier To See
Choosing a solid colored custom video background
One option for hiding visual clutter and decreasing visual complexity is to choose a solid colored custom video background. It is important that this color provides adequate contrast so that the speaker’s hair, face, and clothing are visible and do not just disappear into the background.
Examples of good colors for backgrounds
- Color swatches from Pantone without the text labels
- Solid colored backgrounds created in Paint or a similar application
- Color swatches from Google Images that show a single color
- Saturated colors that complement the appearance of the speaker and do not make them appear invisible
Some colors I have used that work well for me in video calls include George Mason green (Pantone 349 C), classic blue, radiant orchid, rich black, and glacier gray. I choose colors based on what I am wearing and the access preferences of whoever I am meeting with.
Things to avoid when choosing colors for backgrounds
- Solid white— causes eyestrain
- Neon colors or extremely bright shades
- Colors that make it challenging to see the speaker
- Bright green/green-screen type colors
Some examples of colors that have required me to turn off incoming video because I found them uncomfortable to look at include yellow, Barbie pink, bright red, and vibrant orange.
Related links
Tips for using photos as custom video backgrounds
As someone with double vision that has trouble making eye contact with people as it is, custom video backgrounds that incorporate photos of people’s faces are often super challenging for me to look at since I might have trouble seeing where the speaker is. One of the students I worked with mentioned that they had the same issue when their teacher set a video background with photos of their class— it was challenging for them to see where their teacher was!
Good examples of photos for custom video backgrounds
- Simple backgrounds that mimic walls or a typical office environment— one of my friends loves to use background photos from “The Office” or “Parks and Recreation”
- Outdoor scenes that don’t have a lot of different colors or large objects. Computer wallpapers are a great source for images
- Photos of walls
- Wood grains or natural patterns that don’t overpower the speaker’s appearance (bright green leaves may be hard to see)
Photos to avoid for custom video backgrounds
- Photos with people or faces
- Large items that can be seen as distracting (palm trees, furniture, complex patterns)
- Images with eyes or large scale animals, which can make it harder to focus on the speaker.
- Backgrounds with a lot of writing or visual clutter
Related links
- How To Create High Resolution Images For Low Vision
- Two of Everything: Living With Double Vision
- Learning to Self-Advocate
Alternatives to virtual backgrounds for low vision
Instead of using a virtual background or blurring effect, it may be helpful to consider alternatives to video backgrounds for low vision audiences if someone is in an environment with natural light or if they move around a lot when talking— natural light can sometimes make someone appear faded when using a virtual background. Some alternatives for custom video backgrounds to consider include:
- Rice paper screen or room divider— I use this strategy for many interviews
- Digitally-printed stretch fabric or photoshoot backgrounds
- Rolling background or webcam background— some can be attached to chairs or placed behind the speaker
- Creating a DIY room divider
Regardless of what background is chosen, users should check their environment for potential sources of flickering or flashing lights such as spinning fans, positions of lights/lamps, or other decorative lighting to ensure that they will have consistent lighting during a video call.
Related links
- College Interview Tips For Disabled Students
- Lighting And Low Vision
- How To Check Videos For Flashing Lights
More ideas for using custom video backgrounds for low vision
- When I was working with a student that has CVI on Zoom, I used a music stand as a solid background for positioning items— the camera was zoomed in so that only the music stand and items were in view. Learn more at Upcycling Music Stands into Assistive Technology
- I have all of my virtual backgrounds organized in a single folder for easy access. I share more strategies for organizing files in How I Organize Digital Files For My Classes
- Wondering how I talk about photophobia/photosensitivity with my professors? Read How I Talk To Professors About Photosensitivity
- Recording a video lecture? Read Recording Video Lectures For Visually Impaired Students
Published June 5, 2020. Updated June 2025