Miro is a collaborative, virtual whiteboard platform for remote teams to brainstorm, plan projects, design products, and conduct workshops. It offers an infinite digital canvas where users can create mind maps, diagrams, wireframes, and user journey maps, using pre-built templates or a blank space. Apply standard accessibility best practices to all digital activities. When using Miro keep in mind these tips for creating an inclusive and accessible activity experience. 

Use Simple, Structured Layouts

Visual chaos makes it harder for all users to follow, especially for those with cognitive, low vision, or motor impairments.
    • Arrange content in grids, rows, or columns.
    • Use frames to separate sections (e.g., instructions, group areas, outcomes).
    • Label each frame clearly with a heading (e.g., "Step 1: Brainstorming").

Include Clear Text Instructions

Help everyone understand the activity’s flow and expectations—especially screen reader users or new users.

• Add a text box or sticky note at the top with:
  • The activity goal
  • What users should do
  • How to participate if they can’t interact with the board directly
  • Common Keyboard Commands

Use Color + Text Labels (Don’t Rely on Color Alone)

Colorblind and low-vision users can’t distinguish colors alone. Combine color with text labels (Green = Approved, Red = Urgent, Yellow = Idea). Avoid statements like “look at the red box”—say “look at the box labeled ‘Urgent’.”

Offer Alternative Ways to Contribute

Many users (screen readers, motor impairments, cognitive load) can’t interact with Miro boards easily.

• Invite input via:
  • Chat (Zoom, Teams)
  • Shared doc or form (Google Form, Microsoft Form)
  • Live verbal discussion

Label Everything Clearly

Add meaningful labels

Screen readers rely on meaningful labels to describe content. Write concise but descriptive text inside sticky notes (e.g., “Goal: Increase outreach” instead of just “Goal”).

Alt Text for Images

When inserting images or diagrams, add alt text using the object’s context menu. For diagrams, briefly describe the visual layout in a nearby sticky note or text box (e.g., "This flowchart starts at the top left").

Use Keyboard-Friendly Features

Miro is mostly mouse-based, but some navigation can be done with keyboard commands. Test use of board with Tab and Arrow Keys to navigate between objects. Press Enter to open objects and Esc to close them.

Create a Safe, Inclusive Space

Accessibility includes emotional and cognitive safety.
    • Use inclusive language.
    • Allow flexibility in how people participate (chat, voice, doc).
    • Set time buffers for neurodiverse users or those needing extra processing time.

Set Expectations Before the Activity

Inclusive collaboration works best with awareness and flexibility.

Let participants know:

• The board is accessible and screen reader-friendly
• How to contribute if they can’t directly use the board
• Note locations of captioning, and alternative input methods