To assist with preparation for the upcoming Virtual Accessibility Conference, we are pleased to provide the following important information.

Accessibility 

Who do I contact for accessibility requirements?  
Please email our Conference Team for accessibility requirements. 
What equipment will I need to access the conference? 

You will need to have access to a computer or web-enabled device with internet and a browser that can play streaming video. The recommended browser is Google Chrome for all devices. Should you wish to attend using an iPhone, Safari is acceptable but not optimal.

You will also need to have a Zoom account set up with the same email address that you used for registration so that your account information can be verified by our session moderators.
Will Zoom and the conference web pages be compatible with screen readers and other assistive technology? 

If you use assistive technology such as screen reading software, it must be configured to enable your computer to interact with web and streaming video content.  

The virtual conference website has been designed to be AODA-compliant. 

Features being used for Conference Sessions: 

  • Zoom integrated AI Live Transcription and auto captioning 
  • Zoom Webinar Q&A - allows you to type text-based questions

Features being used for Workshops:  

  • Zoom integrated AI Live Transcription and auto captioning 
  • Zoom Meetings - audio, video and chat 

Learn more about Zoom Accessibility Information. 
Will all sessions be captioned? 

All concurrent sessions and workshops will be captioned using Zoom Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) captioning and Zoom Integrated Transcripts.

If you have any additional requirements, please email our Conference Team.
Will transcripts be available for concurrent sessions and workshops? 
  • Concurrent Sessions: Zoom live transcript will be turned on for each session. Transcripts will also be provided in plain text format alongside the post-conference recordings.
  • Workshops: Automatic Zoom Integrated Transcripts are downloadable
Will it be possible to receive print or digital copies of the concurrent session and workshop presentation slides? 

The Accessibility Conference does not collect speaker presentation slides for distribution.

Please contact your workshop presenter if you require additional information about their session.

Technology

How do I create a Zoom account? 
  1. Visit the Zoom website.
  2. In the top right corner, select the orange button Sign Up Free and follow the instructions.
  3. Please ensure that you create your Zoom account with the same email address that you used to register for the conference, to avoid being removed from sessions.  
What is the difference between Zoom Webinar and Zoom Meeting? 
  • Zoom Webinar is used for all concurrent conference sessions. Zoom audio, video and chat functions will not be available. The Q&A function will be available to allow questions to be typed and answered by the presenter either by text or verbally.  
  • Zoom Meeting is used for Coffee Break networking, exhibitor booths, and workshops. Zoom audio, video and chat functions will be enabled for use.  

Conference Session and Workshop Information

How will I join my workshop and/or preferred conference sessions?

Workshops (May 24):

You will be emailed the workshop Zoom link and any pertinent preparation information during the week of May 16. 

This will be sent to the email address that you used to register for the workshop. 

Concurrent Sessions (May 25 and 26):

We will email you a link to a secure conference web page on the day prior to each conference day:

  • Conference Day One (Wednesday, May 25) - links sent on Tuesday, May 24
  • Conference Day Two (Thursday, May 26) - links sent on Wednesday, May 25

This web page will include: 

  • A list of the sessions organized by time (three sessions to choose for each time slot) 
  • Zoom links to each concurrent session 
  • Zoom links to visit our sponsored exhibitor booths 
  • Zoom links to the Coffee Breaks

This information will be sent to the email address that you used to register for the conference and will come from info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca.

Please feel free to test out the Sample Daily Conference Test Page (to be posted shortly) to familiarize yourself with the conference day page layout, navigation, and zoom link locations. 

Keep in mind that this link is for testing purposes only and will not be the same link, content or URL used on the conference days. 
Will there be any documents that need to be downloaded for workshops or concurrent sessions?  
  • Workshops: If additional resources are being provided, they will be emailed to you along with the Zoom link during the week of May 16.
  • Concurrent Sessions: If additional resources have been provided for a session, they will be linked to the session description on the Daily Conference Webpage.
Will other people be able to see or hear me in the workshops and concurrent sessions?  
  • Concurrent Sessions: There will be Q&A function available along the Zoom tool bar that will allow you to post a text-based question for the presenter.
  • Workshops: Q&A will be available via audio, visual and the Zoom Chat function.
Will there be an exhibitor hall? 

After each session on the daily conference web page, there will be an Exhibitors icon. Select the icon to visit the exhibit hall. You may view additional resources and visit individual exhibitor booths by clicking on the Zoom links.  

You will be able to use your Zoom audio and video functions to interact with each other within the Exhibitor Booth Zoom room. 
Can I network with other conference attendees?

After each session on the daily conference webpage, there will be a Coffee Break icon. Select the icon to join other conference attendees on Zoom.  

You will be able to use the Zoom audio and video functions to interact with each other within the Coffee Break zoom room. 
Will the conference sessions be recorded? 

Yes, all sessions will be recorded. Recordings and transcripts will be available for 30 days after the conference. Access information will be emailed after the conference. 

General

Who do I contact for assistance? 
Please email our Conference Team or phone 519-767-5000.  
What is the conference refund policy? 

A full refund less a 10% administration fee will be issued for withdrawals received by Friday, April 29, 2022. Refunds will not be issued after this date, but you may transfer the registration to another individual.

To request a refund or obtain a receipt, log into the OpenEd Student Portal. In the Student Home section, select My Conference History. 
How do I provide feedback on the workshops, concurrent sessions, and/or conference in general?  

An evaluation form will be emailed to you at the end of the workshop day.

A Conference Evaluation link will be located on the daily Conference web page. We will also email an evaluation form at the end of each day.