Please notify one of the co-chairs (Heidi Beke-Harrigan heidib@ohionet.org or Kevin Mulhall kmulhall@antiochcollege.edu) with any questions or concerns related to conference accessibility.
We encourage you to create a Zoom account if you don't already have one, and add a current photo to your Zoom profile, so other attendees (and speakers) can have a face to go with a name. This will also be helpful if we need to turn off video during the sessions to resolve any tech issues.
● Accommodation for Participation
○ We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact either of the co-chairs listed above or indicate on the registration form that you would like to be contacted by someone from our staff to discuss your specific needs. Requests should be made as soon as possible, but at least two weeks prior to the conference (July 24th 2020).
● Issues during the conference
○ We will be utilizing Zoom meeting rooms for the conference. Zoom adheres to WCAG 2.1 AA recommendations. You can find out more about Zoom and frequently asked questions about accessibility on their FAQ page.
○ Each Zoom meeting room (with the exception of Blitz presentations) will have a room host present to address any questions or concerns. Please alert these individuals using the private chat function if there are any accessibility issues during sessions or contact one of the co-chairs listed above.
● Transcription
○ Session transcripts will be available after the conference. These will be integrated into the Zoom recording links and also available for download as a separate document from the conference website. Our goal is to have the majority up by the Friday after the conference.
● Design a Visually Accessible Presentation
○ Presenters are encouraged to use the following guidelines to ensure that their presentations are visually accessible to attendees. Basic information about making your presentation accessible can be found via the Section508.gov website or the “Presentations” section of the PALNI - How to make Digital Assets Accessible Libguide.
○ Run any slides or handouts through an accessibility checker before posting. Ensure that your slides will display correctly on both Mac or PCs.
○ Include speaker’s notes with your files if the file format allows and describe any images, tables, charts, etc. in the notes.
○ Avoid blinking text or endlessly repeating animations.
● Presenters and Microphone
○ Presenters should use a headset, if available, to ensure audio clarity. If a headset is unavailable, presenters should test their audio in advance to ensure clarity. The conference organizers will be offering a practice session for presenters to test the platform and familiarize themselves with the features.
○ If your session involves multiple presenters, please arrange for presenter transitions and cues in advance.
● Interactivity / Q & A
○ Determine how you would like to handle audience questions or participation in advance. Would you prefer to field questions as they arise or hold them until the end of your presentation? The room host for your session will confirm this with you before the session starts and communicate your preference to participants. The room host will also be available to help monitor questions in the Zoom chat.
○ Consider how you plan to use the nonverbal feedback options within Zoom, and verbalize your intention. For example, in a conversation group you might encourage participants to use the clap hands icon to signal they would like to share a comment.