| Idea | Do |
Avoid | Suggestions |
| Everyone has equal access to auditory information | Use professional audio equipment to deliver clear sound | Expect remote attendees to be able to particate fully if they can’t hear or see on an equal basis | Poor sound quality and dropouts reduces cognition as the remote attendees struggles to hear while the conversation moves on |
| Always speak slowly and clearly to support neuro-inclusion, online folks, speakers of other languages such as BSL, lip readers and EAL as well as captions | |||
| Headsets and wireless or lavaliere mics linked to the presenter’s computer | Ask remote attendees their opinion as an afterthought at the end of the discussion | Background noises such as shuffling papers, rustling packets because the laptop mic picks up everything | |
| Reduce background noise in Teams | |||
| Use a wireless mic so that remote attendees can hear what is being said | Don’t move around the room away from the laptop mic | Wireless mics/headsets, everyone uses Teams in the room | |
| Be aware that sounds “in the room” hamper cognition and participation for online folk | Let background sounds and noises interfere with what’s being said. Ears can filter some, but not all, background noise out of an everyday environment, whereas laptop microphones pick up all noise equally. | Use a wireless or Lavaliere mic to reduce background noise | |
| Be aware that many people rely on lip reading and facial expression for communication | Avoid restricted access to auditory information for people with auditory needs including D/deaf participants. | Always face your audience, keeping your mouth uncovered where possible when you are speaking | |
| Position chairs away from direct sunlight to avoid people being in silhouette | |||
| This will support D/deaf participants, those with audio processing disorders, and speakers of English as a second language to understand you better | |||
| Provide visual information as notes, slides | |||
| Be aware of additional support needs of participants and build these into the session plans | Don’t use random breakout rooms if a participant has support needs such as a sign-language interpreter. | Organise breakout rooms in advance of the meeting | |
| Make sure the interpreter ends up in the same breakout room as the D/deaf person they support |
Chose another theme
- Create a shared memory
- Enable everyone to prepare equally
- Everyone can participate equally
- Everyone has equal access to auditory information
- Everyone has equal access to visual information
- Improve focus and reduce cognitive load
- Create an inclusive environment
