Effective communication is a core component of accessible communication. It refers to making sure anything written or spoken is clear and understandable for people with disabilities, just as it is for those without disabilities.
Plan ahead so people with disabilities can fully participate in all event communications. Budget for accessibility services in advance and identify providers early so you can respond quickly to accommodation requests.
Examples of aids and services to enhance effective communication include:
Braille
Assistive listening systems
Reserved seating near the front for Deaf participants
Sign language interpreters
Real-time captioning
Captioning for videos
Accessible copies of materials
Large print material
Communication Access Services
Live Captioning (CART)
Live captions are captions that are displayed at the event during the speaker's remarks or performance. Captions are a good way to ensure an accessible experience for many attendees who may not otherwise request them.
There is a service fee to have professional captioning provided during your event.
For large open-access events, such as notable guest lectures, commencement, or other key events, professional captions should be provided without the need for a request.
If captions are specifically requested, they must be provided for the event. This applies even if the event is smaller, and captioning was not necessary in the planning phase.
Check with the audio/video staff at your venue for the best way to display open captions.
The Office for Access and Accommodations Digital Accessibility provides additional information on how to add captioning.
Sign Language Interpreters
Professional interpreting is available for events and activities on campus and helps to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for d/Deaf participants at SIU Carbondale events.
There is a service fee for departments to have interpreters present at your event.
For large open-access events, such as notable guest lectures, commencement, or other key events, professional Sign Language Interpreters should be provided without the need for a request.
Anytime interpreting is specifically requested, it must be provided for the event. This applies even for smaller events.
Southern Illinois University requires that all digital information and materials be accessible; this includes any websites, digital content, or documents provided to attendees.
Providing handouts in accessible formats, such as with large print and high-contrast text, is one way to support attendees with contrast sensitivity or low vision.
Making documents available 24 hours in advance of presenting allows time for assistive technology to help attendees prepare. For example, a deaf attendee may review unfamiliar terms, a non-native speaker may preview complex language, and a blind user may be able to access documents on a personal device during the event.