Auditory accessibility

Podcast

In de podcastserie Toegankelijke Evenementen delen ervaringsdeskundige bezoekers en experts hun ervaringen en bevraagt presentator Tim Kroesbergen hen over hoe het nog beter kan. In deze aflevering spreekt Tim festivalbezoeker Adriaan en tolk Nederlandse Gebarentaal Jorieke Verhoeven over auditieve toegankelijkheid.

Download the transcript of this podcast episode.

Resources

Following spoken word during large gatherings is difficult for many people with impaired hearing. It starts, of course, with amplifying the spoken word through microphone. For people who wear hearing aids, there are relatively simple solutions that allow you to serve this large group.

For example, a loop can be installed in a room before the event and removed after the event. Some venues already have a facility in place, so it's always good to ask about this.

Alternatively, for advice, contact Stichting Hoormij at ringleidingen@stichtinghoormij.nl.

Furnishing

People with an auditory impairment, non-congenital brain injury or mental vulnerability can be greatly affected by background noise (such as catering sounds, echo and reverberation). This can make it difficult or impossible for them to follow conversations, for example. Keep this in mind when setting up the event location:

• Minimize echo and reverberation by applying soft materials as much as possible
• Shield loud noises from the kitchen or bar such as glass clinking as much as possible.

In addition, setting up a quiet, peaceful place where this target group can retreat during the event can ensure that they can participate in the event despite the stimulating environment.

Do you offer information or material as images with sound? Subtitle the video, or have a separate video made with a sign language interpreter. You can then reference this with a QR code.

Deploying interpreter

The use of an interpreter allows people with hearing impairments to experience more of the performances during the event. Not everyone with an auditory disability needs the same type of interpreter - there are a variety of options:

• Dutch Sign Language Interpreter: converts spoken Dutch into Dutch Sign Language (or Dutch with signs).
• Script interpreter: converts spoken Dutch into written text so that people who cannot hear (well) can read along with what is being said. This is mainly used for people who cannot sign, for example because they have suddenly or late become deaf, or hard of hearing.
• Voice interpreter: converts Dutch sign language to spoken Dutch.
• Signdancers: convert song and music into sign language

Want to use an interpreter at your event? Then go to the register of the RTGS Foundation, they have the contact information of interpreters with the various specializations in their database.

Found an interpreter to be used at your event? Pass it on to Theatre with Interpreter. They manage a directory of performances where an interpreter will be used, so visitors with hearing impairments know where to go.

Remember to make sure the interpreter is highly visible, preferably on the stage where the act itself is also taking place, in a well-lit area. This makes both the interpreter and the performance itself easily visible.

In some cases you may be reimbursed for interpreting hours through the UWV, information on the conditions and application can be found at Organization | UWV | Business

Examples

• 'Signed song contest interpreters steal hearts: '12 points for them!' on RTL News
• 'Sign language interpretation at the Parade, how does it work?" on YouTube