Graduation season is upon us, a time for celebration, reflection, and pride. As schools prepare to send off their graduating class, it’s crucial to ensure everyone can participate in this momentous occasion. This includes making the ceremony accessible for viewers with disabilities, both in-person and online.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) outlines guidelines for accessibility in public spaces. This extends to graduation ceremonies, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. Here are some key ways schools can achieve this:
Live Captioning:
Live captions are a text version of the spoken word displayed on a screen. They can be incredibly helpful for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those with auditory processing disorders.
- On-Site Captioning: Captions can be displayed on large screens at the ceremony venue, allowing everyone present to follow along.
- Remote Captioning: For online viewers, captions can be integrated into the livestream platform, such as Zoom or YouTube Live.
Sign Language Interpretation (ASL):
Many deaf viewers prefer ASL interpretation over captions. Like captioning, ASL can be provided on-site and remotely:
- On-Site Interpretation: The ASL interpreter typically stands on stage alongside the speakers, ensuring clear visibility. Their interpretation is often broadcast for online viewers.
- Remote Interpretation: For online viewers, the ASL interpreter can appear in a picture-in-picture format superimposed on the main video.
Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI):
This service caters to non-English speaking viewers. Using headphones and their phones, attendees can listen to the ceremony in their native language (if offered). Depending on the school’s location, providing RSI in Spanish, Chinese, or other languages can benefit both in-person and remote audiences, including family members watching online.
Additional Considerations:
- Clear signage: Provide clear signage directing attendees to accessible restrooms, parking areas, and designated seating.
- High-quality audio and video: Guarantee good sound and picture quality for both in-person and online viewers.
By implementing these accessibility features, schools can create a truly inclusive graduation ceremony, ensuring everyone can celebrate this important milestone. Remember, graduation is about celebrating achievements, and accessibility allows everyone to share in the joy and pride of the occasion.
Contact our team for any additional information, we’ll be happy to provide our services to make the most of your graduation!
