Service Overview
Google Jamboard is an online, collaborative whiteboarding application.
Testing Parameters
In March 2022, the Digital Accessibility Office’s Assessment and Usability team conducted a thorough accessibility test of the Jamboard platform on the desktop. We did not test the mobile browser versions as we were consistently pushed to the mobile app when attempting mobile browser interaction.
Jamboard Accessibility Status
The Digital Accessibility Office has found the Jamboard platform to be inaccessible to individuals who utilize assistive technologies (AT) and keyboard-only access. Overall, the platform presents limited functionality and many access barriers to individuals with disabilities.
Jamboard has many issues that create undue burdens and block assistive technology users from fully utilizing the platform. Several tools in the editing toolbar (pen, eraser, and laser) can only be used with a mouse. Additionally, objects like shapes and textboxes require a mouse to place the items on the board before they can be altered or edited. Of all the available objects to place on the board, screen reader and keyboard users can only access sticky notes and images. However, when a user places a sticky note or picture on the board, it is automatically positioned over the top of the last item placed. Additionally, the user can move sticky notes and images, but the platform does not allow for auditory feedback through the screen reader. Therefore, the user may not know that the element is moving. In addition to the more severe lack of access, there are additional significant issues like inconsistent focus handling, complicated reading order, and confusion created by requiring uncommon keyboard commands to interact with various elements.
The combination of severe and significant issues has created an environment that is burdensome and, in some cases, impossible to use when using assistive technology and prohibits an individual's ability to engage with this platform fully.
Recommendations
Do not implement this tool if you have students or employees who rely on assistive technologies or keyboard-only access.
If you are using (or plan to use) this tool for your academic classes, we strongly suggest using the following syllabus statement:
“This course requires the use of Google Jamboard, which is not accessible for users of assistive technology or keyboard-only access. If you use assistive technology to access the course material, please contact your faculty member and Disability Services at 303-492-8671 or by email at dsinfo@colorado.edu as soon as possible to discuss other effective means for providing equal alternate access."
Additional Information
This summary reflects the state of the platform as of March 24th, 2022. Please note that some information may have changed since this platform was last tested.
The findings presented in this summary are accurate in the context of the IT environment and configuration at the time of testing at CU Boulder. They may not be accurate in other environments or with different versions of the application.
Vendor Accessibility Documentation
The vendor has not supplied any shareable accessibility information for this product.