Accessibility Features of Online Meeting Platforms
As December 3rd was International Day of People with Disabilities, we would like to dedicate this month's blog theme to the importance of accessibility.
This year's theme of International Day of People with Disabilities, “Not all Disabilities are Visible,” focuses on spreading awareness and understanding of disabilities that are not always apparent to everyone at first glance, such as mental illness, chronic pain or fatigue, sight or hearing impairments, neurological disorders and many more.
One barrier that has become very prominent in everyone's lives this year is access to web content. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people are relying on digital services for everyday activities, including education, work, health care, banking, shopping, among many others. Some people with disabilities are relying on these services more than ever as leaving their homes is not an option anymore. Thus, it is essential that the web becomes fully accessible in order to provide equal access and equal opportunities to people with diverse abilities.
This blog post provides an overview of various web conferencing platforms and their accessibility in terms of features and ease of use. Visit the links below to find out more about the accessibility features for each of the platforms.
Web platforms and their accessiblity features
Zoom offers video and audio conferences, meetings and messaging features for a wide range of devices. This platform is easy to set up and offers a free version. It has many accessible features such as closed captioning, screen sharing, chat function, screen reader support, virtual whiteboards and keyboard navigation.
Microsoft Teams enables users to schedule video or audio meetings with a single person, team, or a group of up to 250 participants. The platform is compatible with any device, such as mobile, tablet, or desktop computers. Microsoft Teams has a full range of features such as screen sharing functions, call recording, live captions, background blur technology, chat functions, screen reader support, keyboard navigation and users can customize contrast options. It is also compatible with dictation software, eye control, voice control, and screen magnifiers.
Skype is a free service with video chat and voice calling features that can be downloaded across a range of devices. Live captions and subtitles are available in the 8th version of Skype or higher. It also has options for closed captions, screen reader support, background blur technology, has high contrast setting and screen recording options.
WebEx is another useful tool that offers different audio and video calling options as well as webinars. This platform can be used on any device, such as desktop computers or mobiles. It supports up to 50 call participants and has a chat messaging function. It's accessibility features include: keyboard navigation, low vision support, screen reader support, closed captions and transcriptions, virtual whiteboards and the option to record meetings.
GoToMeeting is a web conferencing platform provided by LogMeIn. It provides audio and video conferencing, as well as screen sharing. GoToMeeting can be used on any device, such as your phone, tablet or computer. It's other accessibility features include virtual whiteboard, screen sharing, high contrast mode, the ability to control font size and colour scheme, keyboard navigation, chat functions and close captions.
For a pre-meeting accessiblity checklist, visit Barrier Free Canada.