Online Classes and Meetings

Why this matters

Online learning and virtual meetings must be accessible so all participants can fully engage. Deaf and hard of hearing users need captions, blind users need described visual content, and users with motor disabilities need keyboard-accessible interfaces. When you prioritize accessibility in online spaces, you’re creating an inclusive environment where all students and colleagues can participate equally.

Practical Strategies

• Distribute slides and materials to attendees in advance
• Clearly state the meeting agenda up-front, including which features of the meeting tool will be used
• Ask participants to state their name each time they speak
• Create pauses during and between activities so students taking notes, with slow bandwidth, or using captions and sign language interpreters can catch up
• Don’t say “click here” when demoing on shared screen – not everyone can see the screen (blind, low vision, taking notes, reading textbook, dealing with notifications)

Captions and Sign Language

Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing depend on live captions or American Sign Language interpreters. If a student requires live captioning or American Sign Language interpreters as an accommodation they should register for services through Accessibility and Testing.

Other participants also benefit from captions for live and recorded meetings. See the guidance on captions and live captions for real-time events for more information.

Zoom

UGA’s primary supported platform for online meetings and classes.

Relevant DASH Pages

• Add captions to Zoom meetings
• Keyboard shortcuts and navigation in Zoom

UGA Resources for Additional Tips

• Digital Accessibility Services (DASH) – contact the DASH Team for guidance on making online classes accessible
• Equal Opportunity Office – for accessibility accommodations for employees or visitors
• Resources and support for using Zoom at UGA

Accessibility of Online Meeting and Teaching Tools

Most tools at UGA have help pages documenting keyboard shortcuts and accessibility features.

External Resources

• Zoom Accessibility
• Microsoft Teams Accessibility
• Accessibility in Brightspace/eLC
• Google Workspace User Guide to Accessibility
• Microsoft Office 365 Accessibility

Common mistakes

• Not enabling captions in Zoom or Teams meetings
• Sharing screen content without describing it verbally for those who cannot see the screen
• Using inaccessible polling or interactive tools that don’t work with assistive technology
• Not sharing materials in advance so students can prepare and follow along
• Recording sessions without adding captions to the recording
• Using chat-only features for Q&A that exclude screen reader users
• Assuming all participants can hear or see without providing alternatives

WCAG 2.1 Success Criteria

• 1.2.4 Captions (Live)
• 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded)

Getting help

If you have questions or need assistance, the Digital Accessibility Services Hub (DASH) is available to support colleges, schools, and administrative units as they build sustainable accessibility practices.

• Contact DASH at [email protected] for consultations, training, or technical assistance.

Accessibility is a shared responsibility, and every step you take makes UGA’s digital environment more inclusive.