Based on the current level of accessibility, OASID would not recommend Miro to be widely used at TC. The lack of access via assistive technology creates an undue burden on individuals with disabilities and as a result they would not have an equitable experience if this app was required for use. In order for an assistive tech user to access Miro, an accommodation would need to be provided through OASID. If Miro is used at TC, it should be used in a limited scope to complete a specific project or for personal use as a whiteboard tool.
Accessibility testing for this product was completed on October 22, 2021. Any subsequent updates to the product or associated input devices after this date are not reflected on the current assessment.
Miro is not accessible via screen reader, as evidenced by our own preliminary testing and the reports of users that we have found that Miro is not accessible with assistive tech.
Users need to use a mouse and keyboard in order to fully access Miro. In addition, there are components throughout Miro that are small and difficult to see.
When other users are collaborating in a Miro board, it shows their cursor and name going throughout the screen, and this can not be controlled. It may cause some users to have an adverse reaction.
Users can link out to content, but there is no native media throughout Miro.
There are elements throughout Miro that are missing alt text, but there is alt text on some of the components based on our testing. However, when a user uploads an image, there does not seem to be an option to add alt text.
Miro's navigation features and structure do not have structural elements, and the majority of the types of boards do not have a clear sequence and marked up elements. These things create a barrier for assistive technology users to navigate the site. There are multiple ways to enlarge and expand content, and you can customize the font and type of elements.
There does not appear to be structural elements throughout the site that would assist with navigation, so users are not able to view the focus order via keyboard.
There are multiple essential elements of Miro that are not accessible via keyboard, which is an access issue for users of assistive technology. The use of keyboard shortcuts can actually be a hindrance to the use of technology and overall access to Miro. When testing with Voice Over, we were not able to tab through the site without setting off some of these shortcuts. We have not identified a way to disable these shortcuts.
When other users are collaborating in a Miro board, it shows their cursor and name going throughout the screen, and this can not be controlled. It may cause some users to have an adverse reaction.
Low contrast is an issue throughout Miro, and there is no way to update the colors of the stickys and features for that those that are colorblind. They stated in a discussion board that they are working towards adding this feature. There is also no option to change the color or thickness of the lines throughout the boards, which are difficult to see. Individuals would need to use Chrome extensions to improve the contrast and color concerns, and you can change the color scheme through Miro directly. Fonts can also be altered throughout Miro.
There are multiple board designs to choose from that users will need to adjust to that have different types of elements, which could cause confusion. The navigation elements remain the same throughout the various boards.
If you are looking for a software where students can use an accessible interactive space during instruction, take a look at Microsoft Whiteboard. If you are looking for accessible space for your students to post content take a look at Padlet. If you’d like to learn more about Padlet or Microsoft whiteboard, contact DFI and we will assist you.