Technology webinars

There are number of ways you can join a webinar, depending on what device you are using.

Computer

1. If you have the Zoom app pre-installed and registered to your email address, the webinar will pop up a reminder and you can join either from your notification or by using the Zoom app.
2. If you do not have Zoom pre-installed, do not worry, follow the link in your email to join now, or the calendar invite you may have set up, you will then be directed to a Zoom website which will allow you the opportunity to download the Zoom installation file.
3. Once you have done this and Zoom is set up, you will then join the live webinar.
4. You will be asked if you want to use your computer audio or telephone audio. If you are happy with the sound quality of your speakers, then use the pre-selected computer audio.
5. There is also an option to test your audio to ensure everything is working.

Android or iOS device

1. Like using the computer, you select the join now link from your email registration confirmation or by selecting the event from your calendar. You will then go to a website where you will be presented with a link to join live webinar. 
2. Click the link and you will be direct to the Zoom app if already installed, if it’s not already installed on your device, you will be directed to your phones app store and offered to download the Zoom app. 
3. Once downloaded you will then be able to join the live webinar.

Telephone

Joining by telephone maybe easier in some cases, though this means you will not be able to interact with polls and Q&As. If you use the telephone option this call may not be free of charge, this will depend on your tariff.

1. In your confirmation email you will see a section which will offer possible numbers to ring
2. Once you have dialled the number, you will be asked to input your Webinar ID which can be found in your email confirmation
3. You will then need to input a PIN number which is also in your email confirmation, it may be listed as a password (please be aware that entering the password has a limited time and you may need to re-enter).
4. If done correctly you will then be added to the live webinar audio feed.

The following controls will be visible on the screen:

• Audio Settings (only visible if the host hasn't granted you permission to talk)
• Unmute/Mute: If the host gives you permission, you can unmute and talk during the webinar. 
• Chat: Opens an in-meeting chat, allowing you to send chat messages to the host, panelists, and attendees.
• Raise Hand: Raise your hand in the webinar to indicate that you need something from the host. The host may instruct you on how they plan to use this. 
• Question & Answer: Opens the Q&A window, allowing you to ask questions to the host and panelists. They can either reply back to you via text in the Q&A window or answer your question live. 

Polls

Hosts use polls to ask questions and help gauge responses from the audience. When a poll is initiated a pop up will appear on the screen presenting the questions and answers. 

Notes for screen Reader users on desktop

• If using a screen reader, focus will automatically land on the poll title. 
• Tab once to hear the question.
• Tab a second time to navigate to the answer choices.
• Use arrow keys to navigate through the choices.
• Navigate to “submit” button.

Polls are also accessible if using the Zoom mobile app.

Q&A

The Q&A tool is to help the audience interact and ask questions. If the host has turned this tool on it can be accessed throughout the webinar, though if you are using a screen reader, notifications of the tool may be distracting from the content as you are notified of people typing.

To access the Q&A tool, navigate to the bottom of your screen and locate Q&A.

The host may ask for questions at specific times to make things easier for people using screen reader technologies.

There are some additional features which work well to help promote questions and contribute to conversations:

• Upvoting: a way to identify good questions or comments. If you see a question or comment your like or agree with you can use the “upvote” button which resembles a “thumbs up”. The icon is to the right of a comment. 
• Comment: if the comment feature is turned on in Q&A each attendee can comment on any attendee’s question or comment thus allowing conversation and collaboration. This is also accessible. If switched on, the comment button is below the upvote button on the right-hand side. Simply activate the button to open an editable text field.

You can find further information on accessibility settings and controls here. 

CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart. This process uses algorithms to identify spammers or robots that may try to register on online forms.

As clever and as useful as they are, they are not always completely accessible. But here are a few tips on getting around a CAPTCHA using a screen reader:

1. Tab to "I'm Not A Robot" check box and select this.
2. A CAPTCHA will appear in the middle of the screen.
3. Navigate to "get an audio challenge button". Select this. (Focus may land on this automatically).
4. Focus will land on a button that announces "Press PLAY and enter the words you hear. Press CTRL to play again button"
5. Select this to hear the CAPTCHA.
6. Tab to the edit the box and enter your response.
7. Tab to the "Verify" button.
8. If accepted, focus will move back to the "Join A Meeting" page.

1. Click on the link for the Teams webinar registration form. This will open a Microsoft Registration page and will show you the date and time of the webinar you are registering for.
2. Select the button on the bottom right-hand side that says “Register”. This will open a form for you to fill in. Please note, you do not have to create an account with Microsoft to attend the webinar.
3. Enter your details, and confirm you agree to the Microsoft Terms and Conditions by selecting the checkbox.
4. Once you have entered these details, select Register. The webpage will confirm your registration has been processed.
5. You will receive a confirmation email stating, “You’re registered for (webinar name)” from Guide Dogs. You will also have the option to add this to your calendar (on your smartphone, tablet or laptop).
6. On the day of the event, open the confirmation email to access the link to attend. Select the “Join Event” button.
7. Teams will open on your device and ask you to enter your name. Your video camera and microphone will automatically be turned off, so do select these icons (just above where you have entered your name) to turn them on. Please note: these icons are accessible and are described as buttons by screen readers.
8.  Once you've entered your name, you can select “Join now”. We recommend using your first name only, as this will be displayed to the other attendees. You may need to wait a few moments while the webinar organisers admit everyone to the webinar.

When the webinar has finished, the organiser will end the session, or you can select the red “Leave” button on the screen.

If you experience any issues with Teams, please contact the meeting organiser for advice.