Zoom is a web conferencing tool that is widely used for virtual class sessions, online team meetings, and webinars. Zoom offers support for screen reader and keyboard-only users, and most features are generally accessible for people with disabilities.  

• Zoom offers a real-time captioning feature. Captions can be provided by a participant or by a third-party captioning service. 
• For participants that use sign language interpretation, Zoom can allow access to a secondary room for participant/interpreter interaction.
• The Chat feature lets users send instant messages to individuals or the group. These messages are accessible to screen reader users, and public messages can be saved as a text transcript at the end of the session.
• Polls conducted in Zoom may be more accessible than those conducted with other tools.

Practices to support access and participation

Screen and content sharing

• Provide accessible digital copies to your participants in advance.
• If you are sharing a public resource like a website, provide a link in advance or in chat.
• Describe important content on your screen as you share--if you see it, say it.
• Avoid whiteboard and annotations, or limit their use and describe what is happening onscreen.

Breakout rooms, chat, and other features

• Be aware that excessive chat traffic can interfere with dialogue and discussion in a Zoom room for users of screen readers and other assistive technology.
• If participants are using accommodations like captioning or sign language, ensure that providers are assigned to the relevant breakout rooms.