Accessibility in Zoho CRM: Not just a feature—a way to empower

Accessibility in Zoho CRM: Not just a feature—a way to empower

For instructions on setting up these controls, please check this help document: Configuring accessibility controls.
Hello everyone,

Today (December 3, 2024), on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we begin our journey towards a CRM that empowers everyone. This first step makes it possible for more users of all abilities to do their best work in Zoho CRM.

But this is only the start.

We need your support and feedback as we work towards a future of inclusive tools, businesses, and communities where no one's excluded. We invite you to watch the video below for a quick overview of our first update:


What is accessibility, and why does it matter in Zoho CRM?

CRM and other business software tools are deeply woven into our work lives, and the experience of using them often drifts out of focus as we navigate through the interfaces, analyze data, and take action. But for users with disabilities, the experience is quite different.

Just as people who use wheelchairs face unique challenges in navigating through physical spaces, users with disabilities often experience business software tools as spaces filled with obstacles. User interfaces are often crowded with visual elements that make navigation difficult. Every click and every form demands attention and effort, and information is often presented in ways that not everyone can easily perceive. And the list of challenges goes on.

When accessibility is not built into business software like Zoho CRM, it unintentionally amplifies barriers instead of empowering users to work without limits.

Accessibility is the removal of these barriers. It helps everyone use products, services, devices, or environments and benefit from them. Even seemingly small changes can make a big difference for many users. For example:
  • Reading tiny text is challenging, especially for those with visual impairments and older individuals. Adjusting font sizes can greatly enhance readability for all.
  • Color is commonly used to indicate important information. For instance, green for enabled switches or red for mandatory fields. Having this information available by other means (text, symbols, and so on) helps users with color vision impairments.
  • Users who can't use a mouse often use keyboards instead. Providing full keyboard access to the CRM and the option to skip sections expands navigation for all users.

Accessibility in Zoho CRM

For the millions of users who rely on Zoho CRM daily—especially those with disabilities—accessibility controls give them the tools they deserve to achieve what they're capable of.

Just as businesses can customize our CRM to meet their specific requirements, individual users can leverage 18 accessibility controls to accommodate their unique needs. They no longer have to deal with a "standard" CRM that only works for users without disabilities. Instead, they can perform all their tasks with ease in a CRM that can be configured to match their unique needs.

Accessibility controls

Our accessibility controls are designed to support users with vision impairments, motor disabilities, and those who could benefit from enhanced interaction options. You can access these via Setup > General > Personal Settings > Accessibility. You can access certain controls using the Accessibility shortcut, located in the toolbar at the bottom. Let's look at each set of controls.

Vision

  • Screen reader support: Users who are blind or have visual impairments rely on screen readers to complete tasks. Zoho CRM now supports popular screen readers by default, allowing for better understanding and navigation. Users can also enhance their experience by enabling standard navigation order and ARIA landmarks.
    A user goes through a list of contacts in the CRM using a screen reader.
  • Zoom support: Users with vision impairment often need to zoom into parts of the interface to perceive details. Zoho CRM now supports browsers' zoom features by default. Users can zoom up to 150% without disrupting the interface's cohesion.
    A user zooms into a record detail page. The CRM's UI does not lose its structure at any point.
  • Adjustable font size and spacing: Text is crucial in CRM interfaces and affects user experience. Preferences for text size vary, with those with low vision preferring larger text and those with higher visual acuity preferring smaller text. Users can easily adjust font size for better readability, eliminating the need to zoom in.
    A user uses the live preview option to increase the font size.

    Similarly, users can adjust spacing to make text easier to read.
    A user uses the live preview option to increase spacing. The text is much more legible now.
  • Magnify text on hover: At times, we may have no trouble with most text elements but face challenges with certain ones. In such cases, users can use this option to zoom-on-demand. Simply press the alt (Windows) or option (Mac) key to enlarge difficult-to-read text elements.
    A user hovers over certain elements to get an enlarged view. This is done in a deal module kanban view.
  • Motion control: Although animations can enhance an interface's appeal, they can also be distracting and uncomfortable for users, especially after extended use. In fact, excessive animations may even induce dizziness and nausea in individuals with vestibular impairments. Accordingly, users now have the option to reduce animations for a distraction-free experience that's easy on the eyes.
    A popup smoothly opens from the bottom toolbar. With the motion control enabled, it appears immediately without the smooth motion.
  • Switch labels: Toggle switches generally use color to indicate their state, such as green to indicate a toggle is enabled. This can be a barrier for users with color vision impairments. With this option enabled, users can quickly determine the state of a switch in Zoho CRM, as shown below:

  • Strikethrough disabled buttons: Disabled buttons are grayed out like toggle switches, but this can be difficult to distinguish for users with color vision impairment. Enabling a strikethrough cue makes it easier for users to identify these buttons, as shown in the example below:
    Disabled buttons have multiple lines running through them from the top-right to the bottom left.
  • Form display mode: Filling out forms can be difficult for users with disabilities, as it can require zooming in, scrolling, and tabbing through fields. To make it easier, users can enable the form display mode, which users can use to shrink a form down to its mandatory fields, fill them out, and then move on to the next task.

  • Mandatory field appearance: To save records, users often have to deal with mandatory fields, which are typically marked with red accent lines. However, this can be problematic for those with color vision challenges. Thankfully, users can now personalize the presentation of mandatory fields, such as by denoting them with an asterisk or a "Required" label.

  • Custom error message display: Forms can pose a challenge for users with color vision impairment, particularly when it comes to error messages. These messages are typically displayed in red, but this may not be visible for those with color blindness. To address this, users can now select a more accessible color and even include an error icon for easier identification.
    Error messages for two fields are displayed with an icon and an accessible color.
  • Flashing screens for notifications: It's easy to miss notifications in Zoho CRM in certain cases. For example, a user with low vision may be working with a zoomed-in view, which may keep the notification signal out of sight. To address this, users can enable this option, which causes the screen to flash twice when they receive a notification.
    The screen flashes in a yellow shade when the user previews the flash screen option.
  • ARIA landmarks: Users without low vision can perceive an interface's structure at a glance and navigate directly to the section they want. This isn't always the case for users accessing Zoho CRM with assistive technology like screen readers. To help them perceive and navigate the interface easily, they can enable ARIA landmarks, which help them understand the page quickly and skip to the sections they need to get their work done.
    User skips to a section in the home page usig ARIA landmarks. The different sections on the home page are clearly marked in boxes with accessible colors and labels.

Motor

  • Keyboard shortcuts: Many users with and without disabilities prefer using their keyboards to navigate around the CRM and take actions. They can create and use keyboard shortcuts for frequently performed actions. This option has already been released and will now be moved under the Accessibility tab.

  • Zia voice assistant: Some users may not be able to use a mouse or a keyboard. An example would be users with severe motor impairments. We now offer our built-in Zia Voice Assistant to assist such users in navigating Zoho CRM and completing their tasks. After you've enabled this option, press Control + Z + V or click the microphone icon in the bottom bar and start telling Zia what to do. Please note that only English language voice commands are supported for now; it isn't yet available in CN, SA, or JP DCs.
    A user speaks to Zia Voice Assistant to open a lead record and click the Edit button within it.

Interaction

  • Reading focus: The CRM interface is often packed with information so as to present an all-in-one view, but this can be overwhelming for users who are easily distracted. Reading focus enables them to block out distractions and focus solely on the area around their cursor.
    A user has enabled reading focus. Most the of screen is masked except a small rectangular box around the cursor. This box moves as the user moves the cursor.
  • Underline links: Links are important for navigating Zoho CRM, but it's crucial to distinguish them from regular text. This is usually done through color, which can be problematic for users with color vision impairment. In such cases, they can have links underlined for easy identification.
    In a list of tasks, the Task name and the contact name are underlined to show that they are links to records. Other elements like status and priority are not underlined to indicate that they are not links.
  • Standard navigation order: For users navigating the CRM with a screen reader and a keyboard, this option ensures that navigation starts from the first DOM element and proceeds in a consistent pattern (from top to bottom, left to right, and without skipping any elements).

Achieving WCAG 2.2 Level AA compliance: A major step towards inclusive accessibility
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a globally recognized framework of recommendations designed to enhance web accessibility. With our accessibility controls in place, we're happy to announce that we're compliant with WCAG 2.2. Level AA.
Note: For the following features, full compatibility is currently limited to the home page, custom view, and standard record view for create, edit, clone, and details pages:
  • Screen reader
  • Zoom
  • Custom error message display
  • ARIA Landmark
  • Standard navigation order
For the following features, full compatibility is currently limited to the standard record view of create, edit, clone, and details pages:
  • Form display mode
  • Mandatory field display
We encourage you to do the following:
  • Explore: Familiarize yourself with the new accessibility controls and let us know what works and what doesn't.
  • Share: Inform your teams and peers about these enhancements.
  • Support: Assist others in customizing their settings for the best experience.
Availability
Release plan: Soon, we'll be rolling out accessibility controls in a phased manner for all customers.
Editions: All
DCs: All
To learn more about these controls, please refer this help document: Configuring Accessibility Controls.
Accessibility is a moving target, and we need your help to ensure that we're constantly moving towards it. Please spread the word and share your feedback.

    • Recent Topics

    • Accordion in tabs to create FAQs, etc.

      Accordion elements do not seem to be able to be placed in the tabs. It would be useful to be able to do this. Thank you.

    • View all Products by pipeline deal

      Very good CRM I use it everyday only problem is modules not being interconnected especially products module. The main problem of products module are separated from contacts and company modules and only being connected to the Deals module. This way there's

    • Zoho Projects 2024 Recap

      Dear Users, As we conclude another remarkable year, it's the time to reflect on the journey we've just completed. The year 2024, defined by significant milestones, challenges, achievements, and important lessons. Every moment has contributed to the story

    • How to send mail with js SDK

      Hell o I'm using https://live.zwidgets.com/js-sdk/1.2/ZohoEmbededAppSDK.min.js, for my widget in CRM (built with sigma) Is it possible to send email from js file, I try ti use that ZOHO.CRM.API.sendMail({ "Entity": "Accounts", "RecordID": sharedVariableEntityId,

    • Custom Fields at Line Level

      Hi, is there an ability to add custom fields at line level? I need to track the start and the end date for each product within an invoice and I can't seem to find an option to do this.

    • Add "Lead Image" in Bulk?

      Each of our Leads is accompanied with a URL containing a photo of the lead when they come in. We currently have to manually download then upload the photo to the lead. This is a HUGE waste of time. Is there any way to AUTOMATICALLY add the photos to the

    • Zoho API Error Code 7019 when adding job.

      Hello, I am following the documentation found here. https://www.zoho.com/people/api/timesheet/adding-jobs.html Regardless of how I try and post the data (including just using the example requests), I receive back the response {'response': {'message':

    • Customising the approval email

      Is there anyway to customise the Approval email or to add further fields as the default looks so basic and unlike any of the other email notifications from Desk. My users just thought it was spam.

    • How to see changes with ZOHO.CRM.API.updateRecord(config) without reload page

      hello got a widget in account, trigger with a button i copy data to account when click on a button, in my popup All is working well. But i need to reload the page to see the update. How can i see the changes without reloading page, only when close the

    • How to call a Creator function which is in a different Creator application?

      How to call a Creator function which is in a different Creator application?

    • If I turn off the Task Prefix & ID in the Portal Configuration section, will it remove the dependencies in my projects?

      Hi all, basically the title, I am new to zoho projects and trying to get my head around some basic principles. Unfortunately I have not found this information via the search option and after deleting yesterday some Phases I had created in the Phases tab,

    • Move a Contact from Current Account to a NEW Account

      I do not believe the functionality to Move a Contact from a Current Account to a New Account is not available. Please someone tell me I am missing something! I have been through designing, developing, using and selling CRM systems for over 25 years and had this functionality20+ years ago in other CRMs.  In the real world people move from one organisation to another. In the sales, finance and technical world it is nice to see the communication history with that person in their old account and also

    • Force Specific Layout for CRM Contacts Portal

      Hello: We're in trial on ZOHO One and looking at the CRM Portal (just for the contacts module). We have a client layout set up for Contacts that is working well for our internally, but for the portal we don't want to require (make mandatory) some of the

    • How to refresh the page by widget in related list?

      Hello, ZOHO.CRM.UI.Popup.closeReload method does the thing I need. But in my case, I'm not using popup. I have a widget in related list and I want to refresh the page when I'm done with it. I searched for it but I wasn't able to find it. Is there an any

    • Automatic Removal of Departments and Groups for Inactive Employees in Zoho One

      Hi Zoho One Team, We hope you're doing well. Currently, when an employee is marked as inactive in Zoho One, they remain listed as a member of their department and associated groups. This creates a challenge in maintaining accurate records and ensuring

    • Zoho Sheets not compatible with Excel/Google Sheets

      In order to share a copy of a Zoho sheet with someone that does not use Zoho, it must be downloaded as MS Excel format and then added to an email.  This is a labor intensive, and frankly confusing process.  I have forgotten to do this before, only to

    • Change eMail Template for Event-Invitations

      Hello ZOHO-CRM Team How I can change the eMail Template for Event-Invitations? I work with the German Version of the Free Version. I know how I can modify eMail alerts or Signature Templates, but where I can other eMails modify you send out? Thank you for your answer. Regards, Juerg

    • Zoho Social integration with Zoho Flow

      Is there any plans for Zoho Social integration with Zoho Flow?

    • Zoho CRM Widget and translations

      Hi everyone! We're building a Widget with zoho-extension-toolkit, how is localization supposed to work? "zet init" created a translations/en.json file, but what should go inside it and how is it supposed to be accessed from the Widget/javascript? Thanks

    • Merging contacts does fail because of help center membership

      I'm trying to merge two contact records (they are the same contact) where one of them is a member on the help center. The system warns me about this situation and then I de-activate this contact as an "End User" for the help center. Right now the system

    • Bienvenue à Zoho FSM : l'optimisation des opérations locales qui offre une expérience de service impeccable

      Nous sommes ravis de vous présenter Zoho FSM, la plateforme de gestion des services terrain de bout en bout. Les solutions de gestion des services locaux s'adressent aux organisations qui effectuent des activités d'installation, de réparation et de maintenance

    • Adding tag to specific record as an acion in a workflow

      Hi! I've created the following workflow in the module 'Leads'. When a record meets the criteria, there should be a tag added to the specific record in the module 'Contacts'. In the module 'Leads', there is a look-up field named 'Kandidaat' which is connected

    • Duplicate Contacts - how to get merge or delete

      I have noticed that our list of contacts in Zoho Desk duplicates contacts periodically.  I have yet to identify when or why.  How do I merge or delete them?  I see there is a "Deduplicate" but I am unable to find anything that explains this feature.

    • Trying to catch error with ZOHO.CRM.HTTP.get (Response Code)

      Hello, I'm trying to get response header from ZOHO.CRM.HTTP.get, in order to catch error like 404 or something else but it seems that ZOHO.CRM.HTTP.get() method only returns the body of the response, and I see no way to access the headers returned. Is

    • FSM - How to ADD PHOTOS to Estimates & Invoices

      How can you add photos to estimates and invoices that are being emailed to the client so the can see what you are estimating and your completed work?

    • Sent emails not going and showing "Processing"

      Hello Team, Could you please assist with sent emails showing "processing" and not actually going through? Many thanks and regards, Cycology

    • Free developer edition of Zoho CRM

      A question for Zoho and other developers: How can you set up a demonstration version of a Zoho CRM implementation to show employers/clients what can be achieved? Do you pay for Zoho CRM Enterprise/Zoho One for this purpose? Does Zoho offer a free version

    • "notes"-field in a task to full width?

      Hi, Is there someone that can tell me how to adjust the "notes"-field in a task, to full width? I already played around with 1 or 2 columns, but this has nu effect on the standard width. Thx in advance for your help. Cheers, Ralph.

    • Can I add Conditional merge tags on my Templates?

      Hi I was wondering if I can use Conditional Mail Merge tags inside my Email templates/Quotes etc within the CRM? In spanish and in our business we use gender and academic degree salutations , ie: Dr., Dra., Sr., Srta., so the beginning of an email / letter

    • Dialing Microsoft Teams Phone Service via Zoho CRM

      I am using the VOIP option in Microsoft teams for my office phone system. I was hoping to have a way to dial numbers directly from Zoho CRM, but don't see anything in the Teams Integration or in the Telephony integration that will enable this. Does anyone

    • Where are scheduled emails stored?

      After you schedule an email to go out through the CRM, how do you go about changing that scheduled email? Or even where can I see the list of emails scheduled to go out? They are not listed in my Zoho Mail account in Outbox which has been the only answer

    • CRM Home Page Dashboard, how can i add zoho desk cases?

      How can i see which tickets are in my group as a dashboard component on the home tab in zoho crm? I don't see any way of adding this.

    • Issue Configuring SSO Integration with Cognito in Zoho Help Center

      Dear Zoho Support Team, We have been working on configuring SSO integration for our Zoho Help Center using Amazon Cognito. While the setup appears to be completed successfully, we are encountering an issue when attempting to access the Help Center. The

    • Custom Module missing SDK function fetchRelatedRecords(...) in a Client Script

      Good day, We have added a new module with a Multi-Lookup relation to Contacts.  When we tried to use the fetchRelatedRecords(id, related_list_api_name) function to get Related Records it is missing for our new custom module. https://js.zohocdn.com/crm/5124797/documentation/DotSDK/Modules.html

    • send file to ftp or another external service

      i'v created a zoho creator application for take a picture and rename it by phone. Now i need to send Each renamed pictures to my ftp or to specific folder on google drive...then, delete it from creator. (every picture recived it will processed by another program and stored on my Erp) HOW CAN I DO ??

    • Subform Client Script

      Good day,  I have a subform where users can subscribe to various magazines. I would like to prevent the user from selecting the same magazine twice when adding a new row. Is there a way to prevent the user from doing this? (Can it be done via a client

    • Checklist/ save to onedrive/ a group of items invoicing in Zoho FSM

      hi, is there a way to add a specific checklist to any WO without passing eachtime by the model customization? can we save file such picture directly in our sharepoint ak onedrive? is there any way to add a group of item pre defined to make invoicing easier

    • Introducing 'Queries' In Zoho CRM

      Hello everyone! We are here with an exciting feature - Queries in Zoho CRM! A little context before we dive right into the feature specifics :) In today’s fast-paced business environment, immediate access to relevant data is essential for informed decision-making.

    • Serious question: Are there actually "solo-preneurs"/small business owners who made Zoho-one work well for them?

      L.S. After already many years of continued struggle with Zoho-One, I am seriously wondering if there are actually solo-preneurs (one person small business owners - without a large, dedicated IT dept.) who got it (Zoho-One) to work well for their businesses.

    • Calendar Bookings in Recruit

      Hi there, We have recently started using Zoho recruit and although it has some great functionality there are a few gaps that are causing real headaches. One of those being how interviews are scheduled. The majority of our hiring managers are field based

    • Next Page