Zoom to Offer New Features for Those with Disabilities
Good news is on the horizon for those with disabilities! Zoom commits to offer a disability-friendly version for its users that expands its current features. The company doesn’t specialize in a demographic including those living with disabilities, so they set a positive example. Direct Care Innovations supports providers, managed care organizations, and others who serve the disabled community. We are thrilled to share news when companies incorporate new features for those with disabilities.
How COVID-19 Caused Technology Innovation
COVID-19 catapulted the video conferencing platform into the mainstream and even into users’ households that didn’t use it for business purposes. Businesses, schools, friends, and families use it as their go-to source for connecting with multiple individuals. Surprisingly, Zoom reported little disruption in terms of bandwidth due to its increased capacity. As such, they’re well-positioned to continue to scale, and that includes adding beneficial features for varying demographics.
Feature-Rich Solutions for a Diverse Community
Managed Care organizations continuously search for tools that help those they serve. In its free version, Zoom offers several current features enjoyed by its users today. For instance, hosts can turn on closed captioning during meetings, and users can adjust the chat font size to make for easier reading. Next, users can also order placement of video or even pin select video, which allows them to see the presenter or interpreter. Users with learning intellectual disabilities enjoy screen reader support. Finally, meeting transcripts are available for recorded meetings and videos for post-meeting review.
New Features for Those with Disabilities Adds Accessibility
Zoom’s feature menu’s newest additions include functions benefitting its diverse users in an even more engaging way. For example, live transcription provides real-time captioning as words are spoken. The feature limits downtime caused by delays. It helps those over-stimulated by sounds to focus on the written word, and allow others to communicate in a useful and productive way to their specific preferences or needs.
Some users are unable to access a full keyboard. Those users may enjoy using keyboard shortcuts instead. Zoom delivers an extensive list of its keyboard shortcuts and commands for each corresponding to different devices.
Finally, the videoconferencing platform integrates with other software. Thus, if there are accessibility features required by a user that Zoom doesn’t offer, there may be an integration option. Users can also watch a video that reviews all of its accessibility features to determine what supports their needs.
DCI’s Software Solutions Support Care Providers
Zoom has communicated its recognition and support of diverse people and communities by making accommodations for its users and adding additional features with new releases. DCI hopes others will make full use of emerging technology and do the same. It is an exciting time to identify and leverage innovative technologies and new features for those with disabilities and see what the future holds. DCI delivers its own software suite of products that support direct care professionals in the field, including EVV solutions and automated workflows in all 50 states. Contact us today at (480) 295-3307 to learn more or request a demo.
Source: https://zoom.us/accessibility