Body
Environment
U-M Zoom, meetings, digital accessibility at U-M
Issue
- I need guidance on accessibility best practices for camera use in Zoom meetings.
- I want to know if I can or should require cameras be turned on in my course, meeting, or event conducted over Zoom.
Resolution
To ensure accessibility for Zoom meetings, it is best practice to allow flexibility in camera use.
The best practices below can help facilitate a meeting that enables access and participation for the broadest range of attendees.
- Camera Flexibility
- Generally, participants should not be required to have their cameras on during Zoom meetings.
- Allowing people to decide when to turn their cameras on or off supports accessibility and comfort.
- Limit Movement
- Adjust your camera settings or turn off the camera to reduce background movement that could be distracting or disorienting.
- This includes when you are in a busy environment, holding your phone as a camera, or moving.
- Health and Other Considerations
- Allowing participants to keep their cameras off enables participation for those experiencing health-related limitations.
- Flexibility in camera use allows people to meet their needs without disclosing personal information.
- Support for Lip Reading
- When speaking, consider turning your camera on to support those who rely on lip reading, such as individuals who are D/deaf or hard of hearing.
- Automatic captioning also helps many audiences.
- Requests for Camera Use
- If someone requests that cameras be turned on for better communication, try to accommodate the request.
- Avoid disclosing personal information about individual communication needs within the group unless it is shared with everyone.
- Participation Guidelines
- Develop participation guidelines if there's a need to encourage or suggest camera use in meetings.
- However, requiring cameras outright or always can inadvertently highlight exceptions, potentially disclosing sensitive information such as disabilities.
- Encourage Participation
- Flexible participation options foster an environment in which more people can contribute.
- While some groups may occasionally request that cameras be on, this should be done sparingly to respect and accommodate diverse needs.
Additional Information
Find more detailed information on U-M Zoom and digital accessibility at U-M.
Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.