How You Can Make Your Event or Activity Accessible for Deaf and Hard-Of-Hearing Attendees

Accessibility (noun)

The quality of being easy to reach, use, or understand. Refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments that are usable by people with a wide range of abilities or disabilities.

/ik-ˌse-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē/ or ak-SES-ih-BIL-ih-tee

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Accessibility ensures all people have access to the same experience, regardless of ability. This means removing barriers to provide equal access for everyone. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires state and local governments, as well as businesses and non-profit organizations to provide effective communication access to people who have vision, hearing, or speech disabilities. When proper communication is provided, activities and events become accessible, allowing everyone to fully participate and enjoy the experience.
Providing the ability to actively participate in local events and activities is a great way to boost mental health, provide a sense of belonging, and feel connected to others. When we engage with our communities, we feel happier and less stressed. Feeling connected helps reduce stress and feelings of isolation. There are a number of activities that can be made accessible such as exercising, joining a club or attending a camp, volunteering, camping, or attending a local event.

What are some examples of summer activities that can be made accessible to Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals? There are many summer activities and events that can be made more accessible by providing interpreting services and CART captioning services. Here are some examples:

Group Fitness Classes: Yoga, cycling, swimming, and HIIT

Community Events: Local markets, arts festivals, and outdoor concerts

Movies and Film Screenings

Workshops and Classes: Cooking, dancing, and arts and crafts

Live Performances: Theater productions, comedy shows, and other performances

Clubs and Outdoor Groups: Hiking clubs, gardening clubs, book clubs, and running and biking groups

For events and activities that are youth-oriented, it is also highly recommended to provide interpreting and captioning services for:

Libraries, Museums, and Educational Programs

Summer and Day Camps

Science Center Events

Events at Zoos and Botanical Gardens

Making these activities accessible ensures everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities, can participate, learn, and enjoy your activities and events.

How can you make your event or activity accessible for Deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees?
An accessible event or activity is one that is planned to be inclusive and available to people of all abilities, while ensuring all attendees can participate and enjoy themselves without barriers. We know a lot goes into planning large events but going the extra mile to make everyone feel welcomed and included will ultimately lead to a more rewarding experience for all who attend.
Because every event and activity will be different, the accessibility requirements will also vary across the board. A good place to start is to determine which type of accommodation will work best for your audience.

We recommend preparing for multiple needs. For example, if you have pre-recorded videos you plan on showing at your event, ensure that captions are provided for your hard-of-hearing attendees (learn more about post-production here). For Deaf attendees, providing a qualified interpreter ensures full access to spoken content, whether it’s a concert, presentation, or performance. For courses, conferences, or similar events we recommend utilizing Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) captioning. Live CART captioning maintains accuracy of the information as it is provided by a trained professional in real-time. AI solutions are not recommended as they are not an acceptable ADA accommodation due to their low accuracy rate.

You can schedule interpreting and CART captioning services for your event through our quick, easy request form.
A great way to anticipate your audience’s needs in advance is to feature disability inclusion statements and language in your advertisements and promotional materials that explain how to best request accommodations. Including contact information for your designated team member who is coordinating accommodations for your activity or event is also recommended.
Providing clear signage and visual cues are essential in providing accommodations for your Deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees. Ensuring your event, activities, and venue includes clear visual signals or maps will provide better orientation for your entire audience.

Some effective examples include but are not limited to:

• Icons and Universal Symbols: Recognizable symbols that convey key information, such as bathrooms, exits, or services.
• Visual Diagrams and Maps: These are helpful for large events that will guide attendees to key areas such as the stage, workshops, or restrooms.
• Directional Signage: Utilizing clear signs will help direct people to specific areas of your events. This is also helpful in directing people to areas that have Sign Language Interpretation or CART captioning.
• Instructional Signage for Activities: For activities, providing visual, step-by-step instructions can make it easier for everyone to follow.
  Using these strategies will not only help your Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals navigate

Planning your event or activity with accessibility in mind provides a better experience for all your attendees. There are many ways you can provide accommodations for your event by including clear signage, easy access to requesting services, and providing access to interpreters or CART captioning. A little extra planning can go a long way in ensuring your event or activity is a success for all involved!

Resources:
https://nationaldeafcenter.org/resources/access-accommodations/events-activities/
https://nationaldeafcenter.org/resources/access-accommodations/
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accessible