Hello Lauren,
This is a great question! We actually run a conference called Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) that covers many topics surround Accessibility and the Cultural Arts. We generally have both presenters and attendees who request American Sign Language during the conference. While we always contract with an interpreting agency, because we know we will be using their services, I would suggest reaching out to several agencies in your area to see what their availability may be during your conference dates and have a conversation about what they may be able to provide should you receive a request/what their policies may be if it turns out you do not need any interpreters for your event. It is important to find qualified and certified interpreters.
As for collecting data in your registration process, we do actually list various accommodation choices in this format:
4. Please indicate accommodation needs
by July 20, 2020Note: We will make every effort to accommodate requests received after this deadline
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I know these are a lot of options and you may not ask about all of them. If you are talking to an interpreting agency and they are able to cover your event, maybe discuss with them what the deadline for notifying them of a request is and make that your request deadline in registration.
Hope this was helpful!
Best,
Sarah
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Sarah Schoenfelder
Assistant Manager of Accessibility
The Kennedy Center
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-05-2019 09:21
From: Lauren Fleck
Subject: Sign Language Interpreters for Events?
Hello All,
Looking for some tips and best practice advice.
Do any of you use sign language interpreters for events? If so, what is the criteria...do you do it for all events or just larger events or just events where one is requested.
During the registration process we ask for any special needs...should I ask specifically for a sign language interpreter?
#Miscellaneous
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Lauren Fleck
Senior Specialist
The Bank Of New York Mellon Corporation
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