Wcag2.om - Accessible online meetings

Google

Meet Transcriptions

Install Tactiq Chrome Extension (free). Join the Google Meet page. Switch on live captions by selecting the “CC” button at the bottom of the page. The transcript will appear in a popup window. When the meeting is over click in the extension window to save the transcript to the Google Doc.

Live Transcriptions

Install Google Live Transcribe from the Google Play Store. Turn on feature to save history (can only save for three days). Select text and copy and paste into your own document.

Zoom

Zoom Transcriptions

Only the host can enable recording and give a participant recording privileges, and only individuals with a Business, Education or Enterprise license with cloud recording privileges can obtain the audio transcript.

Zoom paid licenses allow the host to enable AI captions. Download the latest version of Zoom. Select Account Settings Meetings (Advanced). In Meeting (Advanced) enable closed captioning. From the meeting pop-up panel enable auto-transcription.

Third Party software like Verbit or Otter.AI can provide captions or live transcripts.

Turn Off HD Video

Improve user experience especially for those with bandwidth limitations, restricted data usage or unrelaiable internet access. Uncheck the enable HD in Zoom video settings.

Enable “Always Show Meeting Controls Toolbar”

Share instructions with your participants on how to always show meeting controls. By selecting the “Always Show Meeting Controls Toolbar” checkbox, the controls at the bottom of the zoom screen will remain up and not "disappear." 

Within Zoom Client

Select the "Home" tab. Select the Settings “Gear” icon. A settings pop-up window will open. Select the “View Advanced Features” (Windows) or “View More Settings” link (Mac) under General settings. The Zoom website will open. Login if you are prompted with the login screen. The Meeting Settings page will open. Navigate to the In Meeting (Basics) section of the Meeting Settings page. “Mute Participants Upon Entry” 

This will ensure less disruptions at the start of a meeting or class, and is located under Meeting Options when scheduling a session.

Communicate Keyboard Shortcuts

Send Zoom Keyboard Shortcuts to your participants ahead of time. These instructions are valuable for anyone using keyboard only navigation or assistive technology. 

Polling

The polling feature is accessible to assistive technology users. Make sure to alert your participants when launching a poll, read the questions and answers being asked. Allow ample time for participants to answer. If you share results, make sure you read the results to the participants. If you have participants joining by phone, offer an alternative way for them to send in feedback as polling is not usable only by phone.

ASL Sign Language Interpreter

If you have an ASL sign language interpreter for your Zoom session, view information on working with an interpreter in Zoom.  

Provide Instructions for Non-verbal Feedback

Participants can use non-verbal feedback, such as raising their hand and un-muting when called upon in addition to the chat feature. Consider repeating questions/comments from chat to ensure access since chat isn't fully accessible to screen reader users, plus, you will improve the captioning quality of any recorded sessions.

Accessible Presentation Techniques

Ensure your presentation is accessible to as many participants as possible by following these simple presentation techniques:

  • Always describe images and other visual content that’s displayed
  • Describe visual content, including whiteboard information. This ensures everyone, including participants calling in and individuals with a vision or cognitive disability, have access.
  • If you want participants to be able to follow along when demonstrating, describe what you are doing and/or state what you are selecting.  Sharing files and resource links
  • Send any resource links you post in Chat via email as well since URLs and files are not easily accessed by screen reader users. Additionally, if you provide a recording of your session, viewers are unable to access the links/resources posted in chat.
  • Record your session. Local and cloud recording allows you to record your meeting's video, audio and chat text.

Occasionally, due to local outages, students or employees may not be able to access a live Zoom session. Currently, there are several countries or regions where international students are unable to access live Zoom sessions for regulatory reasons. In addition, other unexpected distractions may come up that cause your meeting or class participant to miss portions of your class. Recording to the cloud can create an auto-generated transcript/caption