The importance of accessibility in events is not a new topic but the situation brought upon by the spread of COVID-19, and shifting all of these events online, makes it even more relevant.
Did you know that one in five Canadians over the age of 15 have some form of disability (or multiple)? In the US, the instance is actually higher with one in four Americans living with a disability. Organizers have found ways to make in-person events like conferences more accessible, and in some cases using online options to facilitate this, but now the focus needs to be on the accessibility of virtual events. Besides, the more your virtual event caters to different languages and learning varieties, the more successful it will be in connecting with more people!
You don’t need to be hard of hearing to know that crisp and clear audio is always better than a muffled and noisy alternative. Baldwin’s virtual solutions can help address the following audio accessibility concerns when it comes to your online event…
| Accessibility Need | Baldwin’s Solution |
|---|---|
| Clean and clear audio | We recommend microphones and headsets and do pre-event tests to ensure quality audio. We use audio compressors and limiters for clear sound and noise reduction. We do training sessions ahead of time with virtual presenters to ensure they are comfortable with their volume levels. |
| Live closed captioning (CART) and simultaneous interpretation (SI) | Our platforms allow for real-time closed captioning as well as simultaneous interpretation. We can interpret a multitude of languages including English, French, Spanish, and Indigenous languages with our equipment meeting current ISO standards and COVID 19 protocols. We can customize the layout of the required accessibility options for your event to the preferences of your users. |
| Augmentative and alternative communication | We can include a real-time sign language interpreter on-screen for ASL needs (with customizable layout in a multitude of languages). We also have on-site facilities for interpreters with private entrances, booths, bathroom, and lounge. Our platforms also offer different ways for attendees to participate and interact, submit and answer questions, polling, etc. |
Likewise, there are also considerations that should be made on behalf of attendees who may have a visual impairment of some kind. At Baldwin Audio/Visual Solutions, we can provide platforms and setups to help address the audio aspects explored above which are relied on heavily but there are other ways to make your virtual event more accessible in this regard too, mainly…
| Accessibility Need | Baldwin’s Solution |
|---|---|
| Good visibility and lighting | Make sure that the speaker’s face can be seen and that they are positioned well in the frame. Make sure the individual (or face if close up) is well lit and can be seen by viewers. Use virtual sets or backgrounds to enhance production and remove any background distractions. |
| Show and tell as well as listen | Have presenters describe their charts, visuals, etc. that are displayed in presentations or shown on-screen in thorough detail. If there is a live or interactive scenario, make sure to have a live description (someone separate from the presenter or workshop facilitator like an interpreter). Provide a way for people to communicate if something isn’t working, interact and ask questions, etc. that caters to their needs. |
Although it might be your first time encountering the possibility of some of the above items, they are just an extension of the work already being done to make your virtual event the best version of itself. Regardless of who might be in your audience, and the diverse needs presented therein, Baldwin can outfit you with the optimal setup.
Contact Baldwin Audio/Visual Solutions today to discuss online solutions like virtual conferences, meetings, and webcasts as well as the accessibility options we can include for your event!
Please click here to read Part 2: https://baldwinav.com/baldwins-on-site-interpreter-facilities/