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Libraries and Accessibility

Resources on accessibility, the ADA, and services to persons with disabilities.

General Tips for Accessible Virtual Gatherings

Webinars and online gatherings provide a platform for people to ask questions and interact with the speakers in real time.

Before the Meeting or Webinar

  • Consider an accessible meeting platform.
  • Provide an accommodation request form as part of the event registration.
  • If you are providing documents, slides, or other resources for attendees, make sure that they are accessible.  Whenever possible, send materials to attendees before the meeting or webinar.

During the Meeting or Webinar

  • When starting the webinar, establish meeting procedures.  
    • Announce accessibility features offered as part of the meeting. 
    • Ask participants to remain muted unless they wish to speak.  Let attendees know how to mute/unmute themselves.  These practices will help avoid multiple people speaking at one time and will benefit people using captions and American Sign Language interpreters.
    • Encourage attendees to state their names each time they speak.  This is helpful for people who are blind or visually impaired.
  • Describe images and slides.  
    • Read slide titles and content. If slides have images, charts, graphs, and other visual materials, describe them for the audience.  This will aid attendees who are blind or visually impaired. 
  • Use Plain Language
    • Explain or define technical terms
    • Use everyday words and be concise

 

Additional Resources for Accessible Meetings or Webinars

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