Remote Learning

Zoom Accessibility Features

Zoom follows the latest accessibility standards to ensure that the product is fully accessible by everyone. Accessibility features include:

  • Closed captioning. Zoom integrates with third-party closed captioning providers such as Otter.ai and Streamer.
  • Automatic Transcripts. If a meeting is recorded to the cloud, students can access the audio transcript feature to transcribe the audio, process a text file and enable searching.
  • Screen reader support. Zoom is accessible to the latest screen readers, participants can use Zoom without a screen.
  • Keyboard Accessibility. Zoom supports keyboard shortcuts for easy navigation of Zoom features.

More information is available on Zoom’s accessibility features webpage.

Best Practices

  • At the start of any presentation, introduce the topic, agenda, length, and presenter(s).
  • Inform attendees that an event/class is being recorded (if applicable).
    • Providing captioned recordings follows universal design for learning
    • Review how you upload a recording and caption:  Record a lecture video
  • Inform attendees that being on camera is optional, and that their microphones should be muted.
  • Instruct attendees how to change their names to maintain privacy.
  • Instruct attendees how to participate and ask questions - it is recommended that questions be asked using the chat box.
  • Inform attendees that a transcript will automatically be produced for all chat box activities, including private chats to individual attendees.

Information and resources for course instructors related to remote learning is available through the Teaching Commons.  If you have questions or concerns related to a student’s academic accommodations, you are welcome to contact the Accessibility Counsellor listed on the Students Letter of Accommodation (name and email address are provided at the bottom of the letter).

The Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies has also developed videos to help instructors with the move to online and remote formats:

Assistive Technology (AT) Specialists are available to work with students registered with Students Accessibility Services as they learn to use different AT.  Students are encouraged to connect with their Accessibility Counsellor to discuss a referral to an AT Specialist.  Alternatively, they can take part in the “Virtual Lab” via our eClass site.