Overview
Although this website provides information you should know about the accessibility of the Zoom service, Instructors (and others creating and sharing content in Zoom) share the responsibility of ensuring that content is provided in a way that is accessible to everyone in the course. Additional resources (including training, course design assistance, and document templates) regarding designing accessible courses can be found on the Digital Accessibility Office (DAO) Resource page.
What is Accessibility?
‘Accessible’ means a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and equally inclusive manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use.
Accessibility Considerations
Below is a list of accessibility considerations to be aware of:
- Creating breakout rooms requires inconsistent interactions. The submenus are difficult to exit. The navigation throughout the process lacks consistency, as users must frequently change from arrow key navigation to tab navigation.
- The chat screenshot feature is inaccessible due to the click and drag nature.
- Additionally, alternative text cannot be provided, so users should verbally describe the image.
- To read different reactions on comments, users must use a combination of tab and arrow keys to navigate to the comment. Users can hear the reactions, but not who sent them.
- Polling results use color alone to convey meaning.
- If results are being shown, it would be helpful to read through the results verbally.
- To share multiple screens, the instructions say to hold the control key. However, for screen reader users, these instructions are incorrect. Users must hold the control key and press the shift and space key to select the additional windows.
Please note: Statements on this page about the accessibility of Zoom are based on accessibility testing done from June and July of 2024 with multiple screen readers (Windows desktop) and may no longer represent the current status of the software. Testing on the mobile has not been conducted yet but is planned for 2025.
Captioning in Zoom Meetings
There are two main options to provide closed captions in Zoom meetings and webinars. First, manual live captioning can be provided by the host, a designated attendee, or a third-party closed captioning provider.
Second, Zoom can provide automated live captions using the live transcription feature. It’s important to note that automated live captions have accuracy limitations. If a meeting attendee has requested closed captioning accommodations, then manual live captions should be arranged.
Following are links to Zoom documentation for both options:
Information for Owners / Hosts
Please see DAO's Zoom Accessibility Best Practices for guidance on ensuring that Zoom meetings are as accessible as possible for all participants.
For more information please don’t hesitate to contact the Accessible Technology group at 303-735-4357 or oithelp@colorado.edu.
Service Road Map
As accessibility issues arise we will be working with the vendor to find resolutions and workarounds where possible. Further information can be found on the Zoom Accessibility page (this page includes VPAT information as well).
Get Help or Provide Feedback
OIT has partnered with Disability Services to provide assistance for accessibility issues related to OIT supported services and we want to hear from you about this service. If you need assistance using this service or you have more information about the accessibility of this service that we should share with others, please contact the IT Service Center at oithelp@colorado.edu or at 303-735-4357.