You’re already well on your way to making your event an inclusive one. While communication can be extra challenging these days, these handy tips will ensure a smooth process! 

Patience is a virtue - especially when technology is involved!

Visibility is priority. Everything that can be heard should also be seen to ensure equal access. How can we apply this to virtual platforms? The interpreter and the D/HH participant should remain visible on the screen at all times.

The interpreter is a neutral facilitator of communication. If any clarification is needed from any participating party, proceed as you would in any conversation by asking for clarification. It’s perfectly okay and part of the communication process - with any language!

Zoom has various accessibility features and is the preferred virtual platform of the Deaf community; it’s important to know how to use these features in your conversations.

Verify that your microphone is muted when others are speaking during the meeting - this prevents background noise, echoes, and static, impeding on the interpreter’s ability to hear and effectively sign.

Speak slowly and clearly at all times. Allow time for the interpreter to effectively process the information and relay it between parties. Brief pauses are normal and required for a smooth interpreting process.

Practice the ‘popcorn technique’, in which one person speaks at a time by utilizing the 'Raise Hand' or chat room feature.

Understanding the Different Screen Views on Zoom

Gallery View: Grid-like view of all meeting participants. This view is accessible as long as the interpreter and D/HH participant(s) each have a clear view of each other. Some D/HH entities prefer this view because it allows them to have all meeting participants in view.

Spotlight View has two options.

• The first ‘spotlights’ whoever is audibly communicating. This is not an accessible feature for a D/HH entity or an interpreter.

• The second implements the ‘Pin’ feature. This is where the host can pin or lock one meeting participant to remain in the ‘spotlight’ for the duration of the meeting.

• Pro: The interpreter can be pinned and remain in clear view throughout the meeting.

• Cons: The D/HH entity may not prefer this option as they may want to see the other meeting participants. If there is an interpreting team (more than 1 interpreter), the host will be required to switch the interpreters as needed and deemed appropriate by the interpreting team.

Presentation View allows for a slide deck or media content to be shared with meeting participants. This view also requires the host to have the interpreter pinned in a specific location on the screen. Also, a co-host is strongly recommended in this scenario as the main host/presenter may not have the ability to view anything else other than the presentation itself. The co-host would be responsible for pinning the interpreters and calling on the participants using the ‘Raise Hand’ feature.

Download and share this slide on virtual meeting etiquette at the beginning of your meetings! These tips will help educate all of your guests and establish a precedent to be followed.