The City is using the online tool Webex to support virtual public meetings, consultations and other engagement activities. The instructions outlined here are for Webex Events (not Meetings) and will help residents join and participate in these City engagement activities.
If you need a disability-related accommodation to participate in a City online event, please let the organizing staff know as soon as possible to ensure they can work with you to determine a suitable accommodation.
City staff organizing the engagement event will provide the call-in information. If you are registered to speak at a Committee Meeting, please reply with your phone or TTY number to the registration email you will receive.
City staff organizing the engagement event will provide the Webex link. You can use the Webex link both with or without downloading the Webex application.
Call Me
Call Using Computer
I will Call In
You can join using the Webex App available in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Find more information about Webex Events on the Cisco Webex website.
You can change your view to either the active speaker or grid view in an online engagement event. You can find these buttons in the top right corner.
It is recommended to put your screen on the Grid mode. When material is shared it will automatically be switched to the Active Speaker mode by the Host or Presenter.
If you use a screen reader, you can participate in City virtual engagement events in the following ways.
The Webex app for both iPhone and Android is the preferred method of engagement for screen reader users. iPhone’s VoiceOver and Android’s TalkBack are both good at announcing elements. You can use your fingers to navigate everything on the screen.
Tips for the best experience:
If you don’t have a mobile device, the next best way to use Webex with a screen reader is via a web browser.
Select the Join by Browser option beneath the Join Now button when you enter the event. You will be taken to the web version of Webex.
The preferred browsers to use are Chrome and FireFox.
Tips for the best experience:
The screen reader typically used with IE is JAWS.
Tip for the best experience:
Important Note on the Webex Desktop App
As the Webex desktop app has significant accessibility flaws that Cisco is addressing, we do not recommend using it at this time. We will update this page as new information becomes available.
If you do decide to use the desktop app, you may find the following Cisco web page helpful about existing accessibility features, including keyboard shortcuts.
If you are registered to speak at a Committee meeting, please see the instructions, How to Speak at Committee Meetings, after this section.
City staff will be the “Host” and “Presenter” in Webex Events. You are automatically muted upon entering the event and the Host or Presenter will unmute you when you can ask a question. You will be muted again once your question is asked.
The Presenter will share their screen to display supporting materials when required. You will not be visible during the meeting.
If you are joining the online engagement event by using Webex through an Internet browser or the Webex App on your computer:
If you are joining the online engagement event by using a mobile device (a smartphone or tablet):
Once you have registered to speak at a Committee Meeting, you will receive an email with a link and password.
If you require a disability-related accommodation to participate in an online City event, please let the organizing staff know as soon as possible after you have registered to ensure they can work with you to determine a suitable accommodation. Accessibility at the City outlines ways to access City’s services and programs that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.
The City has been using Cisco Webex as its enterprise standard video conferencing tool for approximately eight years, prior to the existence of many other virtual platforms. Webex is a secure platform that integrates with the City’s existing technology assets, aligns with our security standards and policies, responds to the unique needs of City divisions and allows for efficient coordination between the City, its Agencies and Corporations and residents.
The City has become aware of some accessibility limitations within the Webex platform and has escalated these issues to Cisco, the platform developer. The City is committed to swiftly addressing these accessibility concerns and are currently collaborating with Cisco to mitigate them. Future updates to Webex will enhance access for all online engagement participants. The City will provide updates as they become available.
City online engagement events, meetings, meetings or other forms of public consultation may be recorded. Please consult with the City staff organizing the event to determine if the event will be recorded, and if so, how the recording is being made available.
If you do not wish to be recorded, please speak with the staff organizing the event about other ways to provide your input.
Participation in an online engagement event is not like participating in an in-person event. All participants have an even greater role to play to achieve a successful online engagement event.