Hi,
Let me be clear that I understand. You stated "These people
were excluded from almost all the presentations by the level of language
being used, although this was supposed to be an inclusive conference, with
great care being taken to ensure physical access, signers etc."
I believe and it has been my experience in conference planning that if a
conference is an inclusive conference then all presenters must have
prepared their presentation in alternative formats as well as that their
presentation be understood by all attendees. Therefore, if the presenter
is using concepts that are too difficult for individuals with developmental
disabilities (which usually means that others can also not comprehend) then
they have to clarify and bring their language to a level all can understand.
Certainly using props, diagrams can be used.
When presenters are only consumed with their message rather than his or her
audience their name and topic are placed on a list and usually not invited
back for an inclusive conference.
Probably this is not what you wanted to hear, but please don't put the
problem on people with disabilities.
----- Original Message -----
From: "VRRI" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2001 5:29 PM
Subject: Producing simultaneous interpretation in simpler language
> Greetings to all
>
> I am hoping someone out there may have some ideas or interesting
> experiences about producing plain language simultaneous interpretation for
> people with learning difficulties attending meetings (other than just
> whispering in the person's ear!).
>
> A colleague of mine was recently at a conference on disabilities, attended
> by quite a number of people with developmental disabilities. These people
> were excluded from almost all the presentations by the level of language
> being used, although this was supposed to be an inclusive conference, with
> great care being taken to ensure physical access, signers etc.
>
> We are a group of plain language enthusiasts in Calgary. We already
produce
> written documents in easy-to-read language and we are now wondering how
the
> problems of spoken language can be addressed. One possibility might be to
> create a system (probably computer-based) using simple written language
and
> pictures (produced as fast as stenographers do in trials) so that more
> people can participate in events such as community meetings, board
meetings
> etc. There are tremendous problems to be overcome, of course, but we
> thought we should begin by looking at anything that is already in use "out
> there." From there we will write a proposal and look for funding.
>
> If anyone has come across something, or has ideas about it, I would really
> welcome feedback from you.
>
> Thanks - Janet Pringle
>
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