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Information on ensuring accessibility

Here is a general primer written by Mel Chua on event access for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) people, and the first big point is that everyone is different, and you should ask each individual DHH person what they need. For me specifically, though -- here's how I'd answer that.

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Written documentation

Schedules/notes/documentation/papers in written form whenever they are available. Interpreters and captioners will need them for prep as well, so please pass those on!

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ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation

If ASL interpretation is needed for a 1+ hour event, it will be required to have a team for the duration of the event/conference, including evening networking events; teams of two or more will rotate periodically in order to prevent fatigue from affecting interpreting quality. Not all interpreters can handle all scenarios -- so make sure the interpreting team can handle this level of event. I may be able to connect you to either locals who are well qualified, or interpreters who've worked with me in the past. For more information, see: interpreter prep letter.

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CART (realtime transcription)

 CART is realtime stenographic transcription. CART can function on a time delay, interfering access to actively engage. If in-person CART is not available, remote CART with a projected screen is doable though usually much less accurate. As a side benefit, other attendees with hearing loss, ADHD, dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, and English-language learners will benefit -- and you'll have transcripts of the keynotes/plenaries immediately afterwards.

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For other DHH folks: tips on requesting

I'm working on making my templates for access requests into resources that would be useful to others. One early version of this is a breakdown of how I send in a request for interpreting to a new person/event if I want to include a lot of detail. My approach is particular to who I am and the position I'm in, so my letter may or may not work for you -- adapt it to your own situation as needed!

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Credit to Mel Chua for publishing a page that I used as a template. Mel, if you ever come across this page, I owe you coffee in gratitude! 

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