Microsoft Teams just got another game changing accessibility feature
Sign language in Microsoft Teams is getting a much-needed boost
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MicrosoftTeams is getting a significant upgrade to its accessibility tools that should make thevideo conferencing platformbetter for more users.
In aMicrosoft blog post, Accessibility Architect Chris Sano announced the creation of a “best-in-class experience for the deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) community” on Teams.
Sano, who is deaf himself, had been tasked with making the platform more accessible, and the first release - Sign Language View - is now ready, and hopes to transform how D/HH users to take part inMicrosoft Teamscalls for the better.
Teams Sign Language View
When needed, up to two sign language interpreters’ video feeds are kept in a consistent location so that D/HH meeting participants can dive straight into the call. The video tiles are also designed to be an optimal shape and size, and will automatically stream at the highest possible quality.
In its promise to listen to customer feedback, Microsoft has made Sign Language View preferences “sticky”, so that any settings don’t need to be re-applied for each call.
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According to Sano, you can also “pre-identify a set of preferred signers that you work with inside your organization on a regular basis – for example, your regular interpreters (or for interpreters, your regular clients).” There is an option to turn on captions by default for all of your meetings as well.
Sano asks that D/HH customers continue to provide feedback through the ‘Help’ menu from within Teams, or to call the US helpdesk to communicate directly in ASL.
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It is expected to roll out “in the coming weeks” which coincides with an entry on the company’sroadmapstating a December 2022 general availability. Right now, a version of Sign Language View has been rolled out to thePublic Preview programon a per-user basis, so you may be able to get it that way, too.
With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!
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