A Step-By-Step Guide for Professional Event Planners
As a professional event planner, you understand the importance of providing accessibility and inclusion for all attendees, including those who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. By hiring American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for live events, you can ensure that your event is accessible to all attendees. In this ultimate guide, we'll cover the essential steps for planning ASL interpreting services at your next event, and provide tips on how to make your event more accessible and inclusive.
Step 1: Identify the Need for ASL Interpreting Services
Identifying the need for ASL interpreting services is the first step in planning for a successful event that is inclusive for all attendees. To determine the need for interpreters, event planners should consider the number of Deaf or hard-of-hearing attendees expected at the event, as well as the specific services they may require. They should also confirm if there is anyone presenting that may require an interpreter for questions from the audience. It is not uncommon for there to be interpreters for the panel members as well as for Deaf or hard-of-hearing members of the audience..
To ensure effective communication, it's important to hire qualified and certified interpreters who have experience in the specific subject matter of your event. Providing interpreters with necessary materials and information, such as event agendas, names & bios of the presenters, scripts, and presentations, can also improve communication and make the interpreting process more efficient.
Step 2: Provide Clear Visibility and Lighting for Interpreters
Clear visibility and lighting are crucial for effective ASL interpreting services. Event planners should ensure that interpreters are positioned in a way that allows Deaf attendees to see them clearly. This may involve placing the interpreter on a raised platform, using a stage or riser, or positioning them near a well-lit area.
Adequate lighting for both interpreters and attendees, as well as any visual aids that may be used during the event, can also improve communication. Event planners should also consider the use of backlit stages or screens, as well as ensuring that any visual aids are large enough and clear enough to be easily seen by all attendees.
Step 3: Ensure Adequate Breaks and Support for Interpreters
ASL interpreting services can be mentally and physically demanding, and interpreters need adequate breaks and support to perform their job effectively. Event planners should be mindful of the duration and complexity of interpreting assignments and provide interpreters with breaks and support as needed.
This will often mean having a team of two or more interpreters. They will support each other for consistency and clarity and likely change position every 20 - 30 minutes or between speakers. This ensures that the interpreting services provided are consistent, of high quality, and free from errors that may occur due to fatigue or other factors.
Step 4: Consider Other Accommodations
While ASL interpreting services are an essential accommodation for Deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees, it's important to consider other accommodations as well. Real-time captioning and assistive listening devices are just a few examples of additional accommodations that can benefit attendees with hearing loss.
Event planners should communicate with Deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees before the event to identify specific needs and preferences and ensure that they have provided any additional accommodations required. This may involve providing captioning for video or audio content, or ensuring that assistive listening devices are available and functioning properly.
Step 5: Factor in the Cost of Hiring Professional Interpreters
The cost of hiring ASL interpreters for an event can vary depending on the location, duration, and complexity of the event. It's important to factor in the cost of hiring professional interpreters when planning your event budget.
Interpreters should be compensated fairly for their services which will depend on the location and type of event. It's important to remember that hiring qualified and certified interpreters is an investment in the success and inclusivity of your event.
Making Your Event More Accessible and Inclusive
By incorporating these steps into your event planning process, you can make your event more accessible and inclusive for all attendees. Hiring qualified and certified interpreters, providing clear visibility and lighting for interpreters, ensuring adequate breaks and support, considering other accommodations, and factoring in the cost of hiring interpreters are essential steps in planning for ASL interpreting services at your next event.
By making your event more accessible and inclusive, you can reach a wider range of attendees and demonstrate your commitment to accessibility and inclusion. It's important to remember that providing ASL interpreting services is just one part of creating an accessible and inclusive event. Event planners should also consider other accommodations, such as real-time captioning and assistive listening devices, and communicate with attendees to identify specific needs and preferences.
Event planners should also evaluate the success of their ASL interpreting services after the event and ask for feedback from both Deaf and hearing attendees, as well as the interpreters. This feedback can help planners improve their planning process for future events and ensure that they're providing the best possible service for all attendees.
Overall, planning for ASL interpreting services at your next event is an essential step in creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all attendees. By following the steps outlined in this guide and working with qualified and certified interpreters, you can ensure that your event is truly inclusive and effective for all attendees.