Accessibility Guidelines: Online Calls
Accessibility Guidelines:
Online Calls
Useful links
Article: How to make virtual meetings more accessible
Molly O-A’s doc on accessibility norms
Prep before the call
Registration
- Edit the Zoom event description to add the following paragraph into the description:
- Accessibility information: we will be using automated Closed Captioning through Zoom. All images will be verbally described.
- Edit the Zoom Registration to add the following question:
- Are there any other accessibility needs you would like to disclose?
- Check the answers on Zoom at least one hour before the call by clicking the names of the individual responses.
Roles
- If possible, find an accessibility lead for the call.
- Closed Caption Corrector?
Materials
- Make sure visuals have clear color contrast
- Do not use any flashing or strobing animations
- Share write out image descriptions for images used (in addition to describing them verbally)
- If possible, send out written materials ahead of time
During the call
Agenda
- Lay out a clear agenda at the beginning of the call.
- At the beginning of the call, also clearly state accessibility norms around chat use, speaking, visual description
Speaking Norms
- People should slow down their speech a little to accommodate live captioning and easy understanding.
- Everyone should be muted when they’re not talking.
- People should briefly describe themselves (name, pronouns, location, and a brief description of their video feed) when they start speaking.
Visual Description
- Verbally describe any images as they are being presented (this is helpful for people on the phone, too!)
Breaks
- For every call that is more than an hour, include at least one five-minute break.