Southern New Hampshire University

Accessibility and Technology for Event Participation

Updated on

Event Technology Overview

Facilitators will clearly explain how to access available accessibility features, such as captions, transcripts, recordings, and other applicable features, with on-screen guidance. 

Provide Technology Contact Information 

The facilitator will provide participants with relevant support contacts. "If you encounter accessibility issues during the event, contact [name, email, and phone number of staff or department] for help." 

Inclusive Practices

  • Provide concise visual descriptions, especially for attendees who are Blind, Low Vision, Deaf/deaf, hard-of-hearing, using interpreters or captioners, seated far away, or attending with their camera off.
  • When introducing yourself, include your name and role, briefly describe your appearance, optionally share identity markers or pronouns, and acknowledge the Native Land You Are on. Camera-off participation is welcome.
  • Describe visuals aloud, including slide content and the appearance of spaces, objects, charts, and people.
  • Avoid flashing lights and loud sounds. If your event or presentation cannot avoid involving loud sounds, flashing lights, or rapid visuals. Announce these changes in advance (at least 20 seconds) for those with sensory sensitivities.
  • Use readable fonts, strong color contrast, and allow time to read the slides.
  • For visual data, describe trends, colors, and labels.
  • Before showing videos, provide brief descriptions and ensure closed-captioning and audio description are available.
  • Offer alternative participation options for interactive activities.

Additional Resources

To learn more about this topic, review the following article:

Previous Article Microsoft Whiteboard Accessibility Best Practices
Next Article Creating Accessible Alt Text in Spreadsheet (macOS)