Read on Twitter
Online events are an important part of how communities are staying connected and caring for each other.
So how can we remove digital barriers and make online spaces accessible?
Read our blog for ideas: http://otbds.org/online-event-tips/
Our 10 top tips are in the thread below!
So how can we remove digital barriers and make online spaces accessible?
Read our blog for ideas: http://otbds.org/online-event-tips/
Our 10 top tips are in the thread below!
Tip 1: Share detailed access information
Tell people what you have done to make the event accessible, and note any barriers they should be aware of. The more detailed and descriptive you are, the better. Include contact details so people can get in touch about access.
Tell people what you have done to make the event accessible, and note any barriers they should be aware of. The more detailed and descriptive you are, the better. Include contact details so people can get in touch about access.
Tip 2: Keep it simple
People face different barriers using new technology. Using apps and software can be engaging in online events, but if it feels too complex or needs strong internet it might create extra barriers. Let people phone call into your online event if you can!
People face different barriers using new technology. Using apps and software can be engaging in online events, but if it feels too complex or needs strong internet it might create extra barriers. Let people phone call into your online event if you can!
Tip 3: How text looks
The font should be sans serif, size 14+. Provide an audio copy and a short version of long texts.
Read about Dyslexia Scotland's resource on Dyslexia friendly formats: http://www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk/sites/default/files/library/DyslexiaFriendlyFormats.pdf
The font should be sans serif, size 14+. Provide an audio copy and a short version of long texts.
Read about Dyslexia Scotland's resource on Dyslexia friendly formats: http://www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk/sites/default/files/library/DyslexiaFriendlyFormats.pdf
Tip 4: How text reads
Texts should be clear and simple, with short sentences and paragraphs. Use an online readability test to see whether it’s written in too complex a style.
Texts should be clear and simple, with short sentences and paragraphs. Use an online readability test to see whether it’s written in too complex a style.
Tip 5: Images
If you use images or videos, include alt text and a description of the visuals. Don’t use images alone to share text, as people using screen reader technology won’t be able to read it.
If you use visuals with text, make sure to also share a plain copy of the text.
If you use images or videos, include alt text and a description of the visuals. Don’t use images alone to share text, as people using screen reader technology won’t be able to read it.
If you use visuals with text, make sure to also share a plain copy of the text.
Tip 6: Sound
If you share an audio or video clip, include a text transcript of sounds and what is said.
If you’ll talk in the event, sharing your script in advance can be very helpful. Post key points in the chat or share them on a slide show as you say them aloud in the event.
If you share an audio or video clip, include a text transcript of sounds and what is said.
If you’ll talk in the event, sharing your script in advance can be very helpful. Post key points in the chat or share them on a slide show as you say them aloud in the event.
Tip 7: Ways to engage non-verbally
Some people may need to take part without talking aloud in the online event. Respect that people will take part in different ways. You can include options to engage via writing, drawing, hand signals, or apps.
Some people may need to take part without talking aloud in the online event. Respect that people will take part in different ways. You can include options to engage via writing, drawing, hand signals, or apps.
Tip 8: Be flexible with material formats
Make your event materials available in advance. This lets people identify format barriers before the event.
Plan time for creating alternative formats!
Make your event materials available in advance. This lets people identify format barriers before the event.
Plan time for creating alternative formats!
Tip 9: Work with people experiencing barriers
People who experience barriers are the experts on what that feels like and what should be done. Engage with people openly about how your events could be more accessible.
Remember to ask for feedback at the end of your event!
People who experience barriers are the experts on what that feels like and what should be done. Engage with people openly about how your events could be more accessible.
Remember to ask for feedback at the end of your event!
Tip 10: Try an access simulator
Online access simulators should never replace talking to people, but they can be useful tools. This simulator looks at cognitive overload online: http://webaim.org/simulations/distractability
You can also use screenreader software to test your digital materials.
Online access simulators should never replace talking to people, but they can be useful tools. This simulator looks at cognitive overload online: http://webaim.org/simulations/distractability
You can also use screenreader software to test your digital materials.
