GoToMeeting – Review

Text to speech

Summary

No blind friendly windows accessible app. Works perfectly fine if you use the web app though. The Android and iOS version is also screen reader friendly.

Short Introduction

GoToMeeting is a web-hosted service created and marketed by LogMeIn. It is an online meeting, desktop sharing, and video conferencing software package that enables the user to meet with other computer users, customers, clients or colleagues via the Internet in real time.

Links

Only very basic information was requested from me and once registered, I received the obligatory e-mail welcoming me and informing me how to get started.

Initially it took me a few minutes to orientate myself using the web app however, it is certainly usable.
The iOS version was a pleasure to use and I had no difficulty signing in, starting a meeting, muting and unmuting myself or to invite participants.

Advantages

  • Accessible for blind participants using screen readers on Apple’s iOS, using the app and Microsoft’s Windows operating system, using the web app.
  • It is an accessible platform for signing deaf people if no active participation is required, as long as sign language interpretation is provided.

             Disadvantages

  • The Microsoft Windows and Google Android app is 100% inaccessible to the blind.
  • When using a screen reader, the chat box function is distracting as every comment is read out. However, this can be remedied by adjusting your screen reader’s verbosity settings.
  • A separate link is needed to stream live captions, which is sent via the chat box.
    Captioning needs to be ordered separately for hard of hearing participants through a third-party service.
    For signing deaf people, there is no possibility to see everyone at the same time to communicate in sign language. devices.
  • The company is not committed to making their product accessible.

Conclusion

GoToMeeting is somewhat accessible but, certainly not my first choice for accessible meetings. It is regretable, judging from the writing style and tone in their help pages, that accessibility is not very high on their agenda.

If you are an organisation, thinking of using their services and you have employees or customers with accessibility needs, I would not recommend using any of their products as you will be doing a disservice to your brand, your employees and/or customers.

Leave a Comment