Best Approaches to Communicate with Deaf when using the ZOOM platform

It is ideal to use a desktop computer or laptop with a webcam and strong internet connection.

Your phone or tablet can work, but they are limited to a certain number of video windows. They may not have all the same functions that are available on a computer or laptop.

Make sure that you are in “GALLERY VIEW”. In the upper right corner, there is a button for “SPEAKER VIEW” or “GALLERY VIEW”.

Try familiarize yourself with the ZOOM functions and their locations on your screen.

Having the virtual background may blur your signing, so it is advisable to turn it off for easy viewing for Deaf.

Mirroring the video will confuse you if you are learning Sign Language online. So, please disable the mirror effect.

Deaf and hard of hearing rely on sign language and visual cues that is normally shown on the face and body.

NO SIDELIGHT/BACKLIGHT, PLEASE!
So, avoid having the lights behind your back. Also avoid sitting your back to the window. The “SHADY FACE” will be formed, that is, half of their face is shaded or blocked in some way.

Recommended having one steady lamp, directly by your face, for even, steady lighting.

When using Sign Language or interpreters, you are strongly encouraged to turn off autofocus on your webcam.

Sign Language does not focus on hands only. This has its different components; they are seen on the face and body.

So, please reframe yourself from the head to the waist. Also, ensure that your face, hands and body can be seen in the video box/window.

When reframing yourself in the video window, please try keeping an appropriate distance between the computer/laptop and your body.

If you do not know Sign Language, you can use the ZOOM Chat to message the users (publicly) so that Deaf and hard of hearing can be part of the conversations. #inclusivity

Closed captioning for Deaf on the ZOOM platform is not as what you think.

It requires you to type, or to assign someone to type for Deaf, especially when you have more than 2 hearing persons in the meeting.

OR you can engage the paid third-party captioning services. Please check for more details from https://support.zoom.us/…/207279736-Closed-Captioning

UPDATED (8 SEP 2020):
New Accessibility features in Zoom for the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing users!

1. Multi-pin and multi-spotlight (on Windows & macOS)
With host permission, users will now be able to pin up to 9 participants on their end. The host can also spotlight up to 9 participants for everyone in the meeting.

2. Custom gallery view organization (on Windows & macOS)
Host and co-host can now re-order the gallery view to suit their needs, and choose whether to deploy this view to participants, or allow participants to create their own custom views. Simply click and drag videos to the position you want them in gallery view, and this layout will remain in place until released.

Learn more at https://support.zoom.us/…/360048388632-New-Updates-for…