Adaptations for People with Disabilities
JMATE intends to provide full accessibility to persons with disabilities. All sessions should be designed to allow interaction and participation to the fullest extent. Presenters should review the following information to ensure the accessibility of their sessions.
Disabilities may not always be obvious. There may be participants who have trouble seeing visual aids (such as slides, overheads, etc.) and/or difficulty hearing what is said. For this reason, chairpersons are encouraged to reserve several seats in the front and in the rear to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
When making a slide presentation, be sure that images are projected high enough to be visible to all seated participants.
Adaptations for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
Describe in detail the information that is being presented on the overhead projector, or screen.
Repeat all questions or statements from the audience. This is also helpful for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
During dialogue or discussion, try to have one person speak at a time, and try to identify the speaker so the audience members know who is talking.
When possible, provide large print copies of your presentation. This is fairly easy when using a computer. When possible, provide copies of handouts, graphs, charts, or other visual aids in crisp, black print on white paper. (Avoid colored paper.) Upon request, provide copies on disk, in braille, or audio recordings.
Adaptations for People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
People who are deaf or hard of hearing need to sit where they can see the speaker easily. When a sign language interpreter is translating a session, the interpreter must be able to see both the speaker and the participants requiring the translation. For most sessions, there will be a minimum of two interpreters. The interpreter may stand close to the speaker or within a direct line of sight to allow the participant to view both the speaker and the interpreter within a quick glance. Attempt to keep this line of sight clear and, if possible, assist in this process.
Presenters should avoid talking in a darkened area of the room or platform. It is important to continually provide the interpreter and participants with a direct and clear view of the presenter's mouth and face.
When not using an overhead projector, turn it off. This reduces background noise and helps focus audience attention on the speaker.
Presenters should speak clearly and distinctly, but not exaggerate, and they should talk at a normal speed unless asked to slow down.
Allow extra time when referring to a visual aid or handout or when pointing out the location of materials because participants must look and then return their attention to the speaker/interpreter.
Adaptations for People with Mobility Impairments
Keep front seats and rear of room clear for persons who may be using wheelchairs, canes, crutches, or motorized vehicles. This greatly aids in access for your audience.
