Create a Culture of Speaking Up

One of the most crucial steps towards making meetings more accessible is fostering a culture where individuals feel empowered to speak up and express their needs. While it may not be possible to cater to every individual's accessibility requirements at all times, creating a safe and inclusive environment where participants can voice their concerns is invaluable. By establishing meetings as spaces where individuals can comfortably request necessary accommodations, you can make timely adjustments and provide accessibility to everyone as needed.

Encouraging open communication allows participants to actively engage and ask for what they need during meetings. For example, if someone is having difficulty seeing the screen-share, they should feel comfortable speaking up and requesting the presenter to zoom in. Similarly, if a participant finds certain elements in the video distracting or problematic, such as a ceiling fan causing visual disturbances, they should be able to express their concerns and ask for adjustments, such as changing the camera angle or blurring the background.

By fostering a culture of speaking up, you create an environment where everyone is better positioned to succeed. It promotes inclusivity, as participants can openly express their accessibility requirements, enabling the necessary adjustments to be made promptly. This approach not only enhances the accessibility of meetings but also cultivates a sense of respect, understanding, and collaboration among all participants.