Program Format

The webinars utilizes a variety of formats depending on the topic. The primary form of delivery is via a web based conferencing system. Participants can listen to the webinar via telephone in addition to web conference system. If you plan to log into the on-line webinar system to view the presentation, listen to audio, chat, access captioning and Video Sign Language Interpreter and/or submit questions it is important that you follow the instructions for checking your computer system to ensure that it is configured correctly and you have the necessary software to access the webinar platform. We recommend that you prepare your technology prior to the session. Depending on your organizational policies you may need the assistance of your IT Staff if firewalls prevent you from downloading files.

What is a Webinar?

A webinar is a presentation, lecture, workshop or seminar that allows you to view the presentation, chat and speak in real-time over the internet. The online conferencing system, Blackboard Collaborate, used for AccessibilityOnline Webinar Series provides the most accessible conferencing and collaboration experience possible. Individuals can participate in a fully-accessible, online conference from anywhere that they can access the internet.

What is Closed Captioning?

Closed Captioning is an accessibility feature of Blackboard Collaborate that enables session attendees to transcribe audio information for deaf and hard of hearing attendees while a session is in progress. All of the webinar programs provide Closed Captioning via the Blackboard Collaborate. The transcribed text can be viewed during the live session and in a recording of the session. It can also be saved to a text file.

Blackboard Collaborate

Blackboard Collaborate is a virtual environment optimized for learning. Whether you have two learners or two hundred Blackboard Collaborate enables world-class communication, collaboration, and education that transforms the webinar experience. This technology ensures that all participants are in sync, regardless of computer platform or Internet connection speed.

In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Blackboard Collaborate provides a variety of features that promote accessibility, including

• keyboard access to menus and dialogs
• closed captioning
• enlarged video
• user-defined color
• screen reader compatibility, and more.

A list of supported systems and browsers are available on the Blackboard Collaborate website.

Accessibility in Blackboard Collaborate

Instructions for configuring Blackboard and the JAVA accessibility Bridge for screen reader users is available. Blackboard also provides detailed information for the accessibility features of their Collaborate software on their help pages, including information about options for Low Vision and Blind, Color Blind, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Mobility accessibility. Blackboard's site has detailed instructions for Closed Captioning, JAWS, keyboard navigation, using the activity window to report session events and other Accessibility Options.

Blackboard Collaborate Launcher

Blackboard Collaborate relies on a launcher utility software that provides a convenient and reliable way to run the platform and join our webinars. We have an overview of the Blackboard Collaborate installation and there is more detailed instructions available from Blackboard. Note - on desktop computers Blackboard is dependent on JAVA, which some organizations prohibit. Installing Blackboard Collaborate Launcher or JAVA may require the assistance of your IT department for proper installation. Blackboard Collaborate Launcher is free to download.