We aim for all colleagues attending Healthwatch Week to have an enjoyable and inclusive experience and with this year’s event being held online.  

We will deliver Healthwatch Week sessions via Zoom with only the Awards Showcase sessions being delivered via Microsoft Teams. All sessions are indicated on the agenda information page with (T) for MS Teams or (Z) for Zoom.  

As with all online technology, we strongly recommend downloading the Zoom and Microsoft Teams apps to test your technology in advance of all sessions.  

We will be providing a BSL interpreter to be visible in all sessions, regardless of if delivered on Zoom or Microsoft Teams.  

We ask all delegates that if you have specific accessibility requirements, please inform the conference team by emailing us on: [email protected]
 
Further information on Zoom accessibility 
Zoom has a range of accessible options, please go to the following links for more information:  

• For an overview of Zoom accessibility, please click here 
• FAQ’s for Zoom, please click here 
• To view a video on Zoom accessibility, please click here 
• For keyboard shortcuts for Zoom, please click here

Downloading the Zoom app 
To install the Zoom app onto your device or computer, the following links will help you download the version you need: 

• App Store (for iOS devices) – download here 
• Google Play store (for Android devices) – download here 
• Desktop version and Download Centre – download here 

When first accessing this app, you are offered the option to ‘create an account’. You do not need to do this, you can simply allow the app sit on your device so that you can access it for the sessions you attend.  

Accessibility Overview for Microsoft Teams 
Microsoft Teams has a wide range of products to support bespoke accessibility requirements, ranging from using screen readers, like Narrator and JAWS, to closed captions. For full details of how Teams can work for you follow the link here.
 
Microsoft Teams is compatible with assistive technologies, such as: 

• Screen readers 
• Dictation software 
• Eye control (on Windows 10) 
• Voice control (on iOS and Android) 
• Screen magnifiers 
• Switch access (on iOS and Android) 

Any session that includes materials such as slides or videos will be made available in alternative formats, upon request when notified at point of registration.  

Downloading Microsoft Teams  
To download MS Teams for desktop or mobile please click here 
 
Further information on Microsoft Teams and Accessibility 

• Accessibility Support: For full information on Microsoft Accessibility support please click here. 
• Microsoft Accessibility Answer Desk: For full information and support videos, click here 
• Using a screen reader to join a Teams meeting: For details on how to join using screen readers, click here 
• Accessibility tools for Microsoft Teams, click here 

Do you have any additional accessibility questions? 
Feel free to contact the Healthwatch Week team if you have any specific accessibility queries on: [email protected]