Abbreviated Zoom Accessibility Checklist

This abbreviated guide to accessibility in Zoom can help you prepare your online classes for the next semester. The original Zoom Accessibility Checklist is provided by U-M Academic Innovation and should be referenced for further details and how-tos on each point.

Before the Zoom Session

Logistics

• Include a statement about requesting accommodations in the event invitation.
• Identify an accessibility contact to handle issues before and during the event.
• Let all attendees know if you will be recording the session.
• Inform all presenters of accessibility expectations and techniques.

Materials

• Provide a sufficient lead time to address requests, such as alternative formats of materials.
• Follow good accessibility practices for designing materials.
• Provide attendees a text version and copies of all materials in advance.
• Ensure captions are available for any videos that will be shown.

Technology

• Test that video and audio quality is sufficient.
• Communicate expectations to CART and sign language providers and send them session materials.
• Activate and test Zoom Live Transcription if CART is not used.
• Share lists of keyboard commands with attendees who request accommodations.
• Be aware of accessibility capacities of other services if Zoom is not available.

During the Zoom Session

Logistics

• Set the CART provider as the caption provider.
• Activate Zoom Live Transcription if CART is not provided.
• Spotlight the video of the sign language interpreter if present in your session.
• Confirm with attendees that video and audio quality is sufficient.
• Start the session with an overview of the technology tools you are using.
• Remind attendees to mute their mics when not actively speaking and that their mics may be muted for them if necessary.
• Tell attendees who and how to reach the accessibility contact during the session.
• Provide clear instructions for posting in the chat for the benefit of blind/low vision users.
• Allow time at the end of the session to conclude.

Presentation

• Verbally describe visual components such as images and graphs.
• Take into account the learning needs and styles of multiple types of users.
• Ensure everyone can participate during all discussion sessions.
• Use Zoom annotation tools when appropriate and verbally describe your annotations.

After the Zoom Session

• Consider adding Asynchronous Transcription to your Zoom recording.
• Let attendees know how to report accessibility challenges they experience.
• Reflect on what worked well for accessibility and share your findings.

Additional Resources Created by U-M Accessibility Groups

Zoom Accessibility Checklist (Glossary of Zoom-specific terminology included)

Resources for accessible meetings and events

• Accessible Meetings & Presentations
• Remote Events
• Ten Tips for Inclusive Meetings
• Live Captioning (matrix)

Resources for using video conferencing tools

• Videoconferencing Captioning Tools for Zoom
• Videoconferencing and Digital Accessibility at the University of Michigan
• Zoom Accessibility

Resources for students and faculty with disabilities

• Access to Remote Learning for Students and Faculty with Disabilities
• Remote Learning for Students