GlobalMeet’s Commitment to Accessibility
- by GlobalMeet Blog Team
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GlobalMeet is committed to constantly improving our solution and creating features that improve accessibility, transparency, and inclusivity for different communities. Over 15% of the world’s population lives with some visual or auditory impairment, and as webcasting solutions grow in popularity and adoption, innovative technology must champion the charge of increasing accessibility. Even when it comes to physically navigating online, millions of people struggle with hand dexterity, making it uncomfortable or difficult to use their fingers and hands to type or maneuver a mouse.
Also, consumers are demanding modern businesses embrace inclusion initiatives. 57% of people said they feel more loyal to brands that are committed to tackling social injustice, and consumers want to know the companies they’re purchasing from are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 92% of people believe companies should be making a firm commitment to these efforts, and Fortune 1000 companies are spending over $1.5 million a year on DEI programs.
Accessibility updates to technology are not only critical to reaching a larger audience but compliance and regulations are also encouraging businesses to invest in accessibility, too. Physical spaces have long been required to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), increasing access for vulnerable groups, and now software platforms are being encouraged to increase accommodations.
Changing Compliance and Regulation Requirements
ADA requirements are bleeding over into the online space, requiring websites to be compliant with the new standards of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Text-to-speech and closed captioning should be available as alternatives and offer clear navigation instructions through the menus. Also, colors and typography should be easy to read, especially on mobile, where visually impaired users might use a special tablet or mobile equipment.
What GlobalMeet Features Enhance Accessibility?
Let’s explore some of GlobalMeet’s features and tools that make it even more accessible and inclusive to different audiences.
Assistive Technology
Accessibility is a priority for GlobalMeet and we are always working to improve the experience for all attendees and follow the latest accessibility standards. GlobalMeet supports many assistive technologies for all users to engage with webcasts easily.
Screen Readers
A screen reader is a commonly used assistive technology for people with visual impairments that transforms on-screen text to speech or braille and provides additional information about page elements and controls that are otherwise conveyed visually. Recent improvements to GlobalMeet include improved screen reader support for many elements, including media player controls. Administrators can include “alt text” for logos and other images to create a brief description read by screen readers. We’ve also added the option for a language attribute on events pages, allowing screen readers to properly select the correct language and voice.
Keyboard Navigation
For those who have difficulty using a mouse due to dexterity issues or visual impairments, webcast pages and controls can be navigated using keyboards and other types of input devices for easy access to all event content, media and information.
Visual Contrast
We’ve also updated default colors to deeper blues and grays for increased visual contrast and readability. In addition, many elements automatically change the text color to black or white to maximize legibility with your branding settings.
Closed Captioning
As 91% of viewers watch videos with captions turned on, closed captioning is critical for understanding video. Closed captioning helps encourage retention, engagement, and absorption of information. GlobalMeet offers users the ability to add captioning in multiple languages for on-demand videos.
Live Human Translations
Need real-time translations of your event? Use live human translations available in multiple languages to increase comprehension and engagement for those speaking a different tongue.
GlobalMeet’s Dedication to Accessibility
These are just a few changes our team has made so far, and we’re committed to turning new accessibility innovations into usable features. We’re excited to work towards a new VPAT and level of conformance rating according to the latest WCAG 2.1 standards. We’re committed to bringing high-quality webcasts to people worldwide — regardless of language, location, or accessibility. To learn more, contact us today.