Accomodations for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing

  Planning University Events for People Who Are Deaf and Hard Of Hearing

People who are deaf and hard of hearing use varied modes of communication. Please be sure to make the most appropriate accommodation by taking the following into consideration:

  • Have you arranged for an interpreter to be present at your event?
  • Have you completed and submitted an online Interpreter Request form at least two weeks in advance? Submit your request at: http://www.drc.neu.edu
  • Have you spoken with the Coordinator of Interpreting Services to determine the interpreting needs?
  • Have you publicized that interpreters will be provided at your event by placing the interpreting logo at the bottom right-hand corner of your advertisement? Have you informed the Coordinator of Interpreting Services of any cancellations, changes in program, rooms, or times?
  • You will be billed for interpreting services. There is a two-hour minimum per interpreter and a 48-hour cancellation policy.
  • Is your event visually accessible for deaf and hard of hearing attendees?
  • Have you reserved a section at the front of the audience for Deaf and hard of hearing people?
  • If slides or overheads are used, will there be an alternate light source (i.e. spotlight) so that the interpreter will remain visible?
  • Is there an appropriate backdrop? Visually distracting patterns and backlighting must be avoided. For the background, a blue curtain would work well.
  • Have you provided space for the interpreter(s) on the stage next to the speaker, as well as extra seating, if necessary, as near to the presenter as possible?
  • Have you provided background and other preparatory information to the Coordinator of Interpreting Services to be shared with the interpreter(s)?
  • Have you provided texts of prepared speeches, song lyrics, script, programs, and list of presenters' names?
  • Have you arranged for the interpreter(s) to meet with the presenter(s) prior to the event to ensure that the interpreting process is successful and the speaker's message is presented accurately?
  • Are you familiar with the interpreting process?
  • At any event or meeting with multiple participants, it is important to regulate turn-taking behavior so that only one participant is speaking at a time. It is impossible to accurately interpret more than one remark at a time.
  • Be sure to give the Deaf participants any printed materials before the start of the presentation. It is not possible to watch the interpreter and read through distributed documents at the same time.
  • Have you arranged for other assistive equipment that may be required?
  • Have you requested an audio-loop system for hard of hearing participants from Media Services?
  • Are films or videotapes closed-captioned? Is the television or projector equipped to show closed captions? If needed, a decoder can be requested through Media Services.
  • Have you requested CART services if that is the preferred accommodation for hard of hearing participants?