Microsoft Teams Accessibility Information

Microsoft Teams is a collaboration service that allows team members to message each other, share files and resources, assign tasks, and host video or audio conferencing. Instructors create a Team for their class to share information, communicate, and conduct meetings.

Affected Users

Certain accessibility issues will impact people with limited or no hearing depending on the means in which they access certain Teams features.

Known Accessibility Barriers

Closed Captions

Microsoft Teams for iOS and Android

Captions are not provided for the 'Recorded Audio' shared in chat/channel when sent through phone. Additionally, captions are not provided for the 'Recorded Audio' shared in chat/channel when sent through phone.

Microsoft Teams for Mac and Windows

Signing Deaf/Hard-of-hearing meeting participants are not provided with an equitable meeting presence while they are signing.

Alternate Access

Using Teams on a laptop or Desktop will provide access to closed captions.

An ASL interpreter must be provided if a person using ASL is required to present in a meeting. For shorter communication and collaboration, the text features like chat can be utilized.

Communication

In limited cases listed above, people with limited or no hearing will need to use a desktop or laptop device to access captions for recorded audio in Teams. For people using ASL to communicate, an interpreter will be needed if they need to present using ASL during a Teams meeting.

As with any software, there is the potential for unexpected issues to arise without being flagged by Microsoft. If people using assistive technologies are unable to access Teams features due an accessibility barrier, they should notify their instructor and AccessibleNU immediately and the instructor or TA will need to ensure an alternate means of communication or collaboration.

Additional Support

The instructor of the course is responsible for implementing the alternate access solution and the department the course is within is responsible for providing any support in creating alternate versions of assignments or in proving human support.

They can contact Accessible NU at accessiblenu@northwestern.edu and Teaching & Learning Technologies at canvas@northwestern.edu if guidance is needed.

For student(s), contact AccessibleNU at accessiblenu@northwestern.edu.

For faculty, staff, or the general public, contact the Office of Equity at accommodations@northwestern.edu