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Quick answer: To make an online event accessible, choose a platform that follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1), ask attendees about their needs during registration, and publish accessibility information in your event FAQ. Canapii offers screen reader compatibility, transcription, keyboard navigation and reduced-motion options as standard.
Accessible design also helps mobile users, ageing attendees and anyone on a limited connection
Ask attendees what they need during registration and share accessibility details in your event FAQ
Canapii follows WCAG 2.1 with features for visual, auditory, physical and neurological needs
The proliferation of event platforms and their technology has enabled event organizers to host truly diverse and inclusive events. Where physical boundaries and on-site governance were once an issue, today’s organizers can seamlessly host a global event delivered instantaneously around the world. As organizers scale their virtual events, they also need to consider the accessibility of their virtual venue - with online audiences growing, there is a greater need for technology to be accessible to all.
When selecting an online platform, make sure the virtual venue is an accessible place for all attendees, including those with disabilities. It is vital to understand the capabilities the platform has to offer and how it can tailor its offering to accommodate a truly diverse audience.
Web accessibility is how websites, online tools and technology are designed and developed to accommodate individuals with disabilities. In practice, people should be able to perceive, understand, navigate and interact with the web - and contribute to their overall online experience.
Web accessibility allows all individuals, including those with disabilities, to consume web content with ease. In many cases it also benefits people without any disability, such as:
People using mobile phones or devices with smaller screens and different input methods
Ageing people with changing abilities
Individuals with temporary disabilities, such as injuries
Individuals facing situational challenges, such as bright sunlight or a place where they cannot listen to audio
People with connectivity issues or limited, expensive bandwidth
So how do you accommodate everyone’s needs?
Simply ask. While it is important to provide the most accessible options for all attendees, it is just as vital to know exactly which features and capabilities will be needed before the event starts.
During the registration process, you can edit registration attributes and ask attendees whether they need any accommodations to take part in the full event experience. As an organizer, you can collect this information in the back end and work with your event technology supplier to provide the right help and accessibility options for those attendees.
Make it easy for participants to reach you and your team before, during and after the event by sharing your contact details and explaining how to ask for help and support. Finally, include information about the accessibility options at your event in the FAQ section of your virtual platform - the more informed your audience is, the better the experience for everyone.
In accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1), Canapii covers a wide range of the recommendations for making web content more accessible to everyone.
Video transcription
Labels and names for all interactive content
Screen reader compatibility
Non-text contrast, with a minimum ratio of 3:1 between background and foreground for colorblind users
Colored map alternatives - a pie chart on the console dashboard and analytics page so colorblind users don’t have to distinguish shades of green on the map
Skip to content button
Pause, stop and hide buttons on moving graphics
Audio transcription
Content directly accessible by keyboard
Keyboard shortcuts
Pointer cancellation
Motion actuation for the mobile app
No flashing or strobing effects
Input elements remain consistent
Focus elements remain consistent
While some accessibility features have already been developed by the team, many more are on the way. If you do not see the feature you are looking for, reach out to the Canapii team at help@canapii.com.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) are a set of recommendations for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities. Canapii covers a wide range of these recommendations across its tools and solutions.
Ask during registration. Edit your registration attributes to include a question about accommodations, collect the responses in the back end, and work with your event technology supplier to put the right options in place before the event starts.
Yes. Canapii offers screen reader compatibility, labels and names for all interactive content, and a skip to content button, alongside transcription for both video and audio.
New accessibility features are added regularly. Contact the Canapii team at help@canapii.com to ask about a specific feature or accommodation for your event.
Canapii has powered 2,000+ events across 45+ countries since 2020. Contact us to see how we can make your next event accessible to everyone.