The ADA requires that event organizers provide effective communication during the event for individuals with communication disabilities, i.e. hearing, vision, or speech disabilities. The goal is to ensure that communication with individuals with disabilities is equally effective as communication with people without disabilities. For large events, if there is not a request for an ASL interpreter or CART provider, it is still recommended to proactively provide an ASL interpreter and/or CART provider if funding allows. If there is a specific request for a provider, one must be provided.

Common communication accommodations include:

  • American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation

    • Ensure that event and presentation materials are provided in advance of the event to American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters to allow them to familiarize themselves with the content.

    • Interpreters and transcribers can be arranged through the Office of Disability Access which assists departments across campus and campus affiliates in scheduling qualified service providers for their events and programs
  • Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART)
    • Ensure that event and presentation materials are provided in advance of the event to Communication Across Realtime Translation (CART) providers to allow them to familiarize themselves with the content.

    • Ensure enough space on presentation screen for captioning. Generally, four lines for captioning is needed.

    • Ensure a good contrast of the captions and background (preferably black/white).

    • Ensure roving microphones are available for audience participation.

    • Interpreters and transcribers can be arranged through UMD Communication Access Services, which assists departments across campus and campus affiliates in scheduling qualified service providers for their events and programs
  • Assistive Listening Devices

    • Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) improve sound transmission for individuals with hearing impairments. Different types of ALD are designed for different settings and purpose, i.e. use in a large venue, vs. use in smaller setting. All ALD can be used either with or without a hearing aid or cochlear implant. Audio Induction Loops and FM System are two types of ALD.

    • The Office of Disability Access has FM loops available for loan to students registered with our office. 

    • Many University of North Texas classroom have technology to assist with amplification built into the AV systems. Contact Classroom Support in advance to learn what technology is available for the specific classroom.

  • Captioned videos

  • Audio description

    • Provide information about what is occurring on the screen for individuals with vision disabilities.

  • Alternate format for materials.
    • If materials will be provided to attendees, it is recommended to proactively prepare these materials in alternative formats (braille, large print, e-text). The appropriate number of alternative copies varies based on type of event and size of audience. ADA may require alternative materials as an auxiliary aid or service necessary for effective communication if an individual with a disability submits a request for alternative material as an accommodation. Such materials may include:

      • Braille documents (contact: Books.ODA@unt.edu)

      • Large print (18 size font)

      • E-text, electronic documents

  • Microphones for presenters/speakers
    • Provide the presenters with microphones, and ensure that there are available microphones for participants to use during the event.  It is a best practice to repeat questions or comments that participants ask without a microphone during the event.