Digital communication has become a cornerstone of success for businesses and organizations in today’s interconnected world. As we continue to rely on virtual meetings and remote collaboration, these platforms must remain accessible and inclusive for all users.
A great example is GoTo Meeting, which offers a range of features designed to create an efficient and supportive meeting experience for everyone.
GoTo Meeting’s commitment to accessibility
About its dedication to accessibility, this is what the web conferencing platform has to say: “Here at GoTo, we are committed to empowering our customers to work from anywhere, doing their best work - simply and securely. Accessibility is essential to this commitment, so we continuously evaluate and embrace new ways to adopt digital and web accessibility standards within our business, products, and online experiences. We’re proud of our progress but view accessibility as an ongoing journey and evolution.”
They encourage users to request accessibility conformance reports, such as Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs), by contacting accessibility@goto.com. These reports provide valuable insights into GoTo Meeting's accessibility journey. The company invites suggestions, questions, or ideas to enhance its accessibility offerings.
A closer look at GoTo Meeting’s feature accessibility
GoTo Meeting offers a comprehensive suite of accessibility features to ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, can effectively participate in virtual meetings.
Screen reader support
The browser-based web app is compatible with various screen readers like NVDA, ORCA, and Apple VoiceOver. Users can join meetings through the Web App and enjoy a seamless experience with their preferred screen reader.
Font Size and Color Scheme
GoTo Meeting adheres to color contrast and font size standards, improving visual communication and information access for users with vision impairments or compromised vision. The platform's color contrasts and font sizes are optimized for both out-of-session windows and in-session images, text, links, and windows.
High contrast mode
This feature assists users with vision impairments or compromised vision. GoTo Meeting supports Windows high contrast modes for out-of-session windows (e.g., Select audio mode, Scheduler, Preferences, My Meetings) and in-session elements (e.g., Control Panel, Report Audio Issues, Viewer, tooltips).
Tab navigation
This feature enables users to navigate through various elements within the software using only the Tab key on their keyboard, making it easier for those who cannot use a mouse. Tab navigation is supported in out-of-session windows, all in-session windows, and the Control Panel.
Keyboard shortcuts
GoTo Meeting provides a variety of keyboard shortcuts that allow users to perform actions using specific key combinations instead of a mouse. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who cannot use a mouse.
Accurate captions
Users can partner with professional transcription services like Verbit to generate highly accurate captions and transcripts. Verbit's dual approach combines advanced artificial intelligence with human transcribers to achieve up to 99% accuracy. The platform also supports live captioning for real-time meeting accessibility.
Dark theme (Beta)
GoTo Webinar offers a Dark Theme, which uses light text on dark backgrounds, making it easier on the eyes and improving focus for some users.
Tips for making your GoTo Meeting experience more accessible
Boosting the accessibility of your GoTo Meeting sessions guarantees a more inclusive environment, allowing all attendees to participate in virtual meetings actively, no matter their individual needs. Here are some suggestions to help you do that:
Choose a compatible browser
To make the most of GoTo Meeting's accessibility features, use a browser that is compatible with the platform and supports screen readers. This will enable participants with visual impairments to join meetings seamlessly.
Use an accessible presentation format
When sharing presentations or documents, opt for accessible formats like accessible PDFs or PowerPoint files with proper headings and alternative text for images. This ensures that screen reader users can easily navigate and understand the presented content.
Enable live captions
Partner with professional transcription services like Verbit to provide live captions during meetings. This benefits not only participants who are deaf and hard of hearing, but also those with ADHD, auditory processing disorders, or those facing environmental distractions.
Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
During meetings, make sure to speak clearly and at a comfortable rate. This helps participants with auditory processing challenges and those who rely on captions or transcripts to follow the conversation more easily.
Describe visual content
When sharing images, graphs, or videos, provide verbal descriptions for participants with visual impairments. This enables them to understand the content and actively engage in discussions.
Share meeting materials in advance
Send out meeting materials, including accessible presentations and documents, beforehand. This allows participants with disabilities to review the content at their own pace and prepare for the meeting.
Encourage the use of keyboard shortcuts
Inform participants about the available keyboard shortcuts (both in the desktop app and webinar) in GoTo Meeting, which can help users who cannot use a mouse to navigate the platform more easily.
Be mindful of color schemes
When creating presentations or sharing content, use high-contrast color schemes and font sizes to improve readability for users with vision impairments or compromised vision.
Offer multiple communication channels
Encourage in-session chat for participants who may find it challenging to communicate verbally. This allows them to ask questions, provide feedback, or engage in discussions more comfortably.
Seek feedback
After the meeting, ask participants for feedback on the accessibility of the session. This will help you identify areas for improvement and create a more inclusive virtual meeting experience in the future.
The power of accessible virtual collaboration
GoTo Meeting provides various in-built tools designed to create a more inclusive virtual meeting environment for all attendees. Based on this, it’s ultimately the responsibility of meeting organizers and participants to take advantage of these tools and ensure that everyone can fully engage in the conversation. By familiarizing ourselves with the available accessibility options and actively implementing them, we can create a more equitable and accommodating digital space.
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