Multilingual events accessibility makes meetings, conferences, presentations, and conventions welcoming to diverse global and multicultural audiences, with full access to information in their language preference. This is the definition of communication accessibility—delivering information in an accessible way.

However, communication gaps remain for diverse audiences (including Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals) at public events such as:

• Conferences
• Conventions
• Seminars
• Open houses
• Townhall meetings
• Orientations

Today, more than ever before, we need multilingual communication accessibility to ensure that we can effectively communicate with diverse audiences, regardless of their language preference, as over 20% (as of 2018) of people living in the U.S. speak a language other than English1.

Why Communication Accessibility Must Include a Multilingual Focus

As of 2019, nearly 1 in 5 people living in the U.S. speak a language other than English. As you might expect, Spanish is the most common of those languages, making up 62% of those households. However, the other 38% speak a variety of foreign languages, demonstrating that merely presenting information in only English and Spanish is not adequate for full event accessibility2.

By embracing and welcoming diverse, multilingual audiences at events, you promote equality, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone regardless of language preference and ability.

Multilingual Events Accessibility Benefits

The benefits of accessible multilingual events are manifold:

• Increased participation: With language accessibility, attendees can grasp information faster and actively engage.
• Revenue growth: Broad accessibility can increase attendance, leading to higher ticket sales and sponsorships. Attracting a more expansive audience can also lead to a positive brand reputation.
• Better communication: Attendees with access to effective communication can start a conversation with anyone and build relationships.
• Improved user experience: Interpreting and live captioning for all attendees in their preferred language ensures equitable access to information.

Multilingual events accessibility can strengthen communities and organizations, reduce discrimination and social inequality, and increase cultural understanding.

To meet the language needs of diverse audiences at events, Sorenson offers Sorenson Forum and Sorenson Express Multilingual.

Multilingual Events Accessibility Real-Time Solutions

Multilingual communication accessibility can transform the event experience, allowing full participation and enjoyment by people of diverse backgrounds and languages. By using technology to bridge the language gap, you offer attendees a satisfying experience and access to all aspects of an event without obstacles. The technology now available includes simultaneous spoken language interpreting in dozens of languages, real-time translation, and live captioning.

Sorenson Forum

Sorenson Forum is a multilingual interpreting app that also provides translation and captioning to facilitate communication during events. Each person in the audience can access interpreting and captions in their preferred language in real time on their own laptop or mobile device. It’s ideal for meetings, speeches, and presentations — any situation with a group of people engaging with the same content, making it an ideal 1:many communication solution.

Sorenson Forum helps event planners and organizations solve these problems:

• Limited comprehension: Individuals struggle to fully understand and engage in presentations not in their primary language.
• Affordable multilingual translation: Events can be a financial burden when hiring qualified interpreters or translators.
• Complicated technical issues: Integrating different audio and text streams with presentation materials presents logistical problems, especially with remote and in-person attendees.
• Limited access in underserved areas: Sorenson Forum’s on-demand interpreting, translation, and captioning are fully app-based for in-person, virtual, or hybrid use, so you can deliver access in underserved areas.

Unlike traditional captioning and translation services with few language choices and cumbersome equipment requirements, Sorenson Forum is a next-generation Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) solution that delivers instant access to 25 core languages and two-way communication for a personalized experience.

Sorenson Express Multilingual

Sorenson Express Multilingual is an on-demand multilingual language translation service providing seamless multilingual interpersonal communication in 12 languages via a mobile app.

Sorenson Express Multilingual is an agile solution for conversation at events, but also effective 1:1 communication in times of crises, safety, welfare, legal, financial, healthcare, and workplace situations. Imagine the benefits of on-demand multilingual translation at a conference or convention with participants from around the world.

The service uses sophisticated machine translation to instantly produce accurate captions of general vocabulary at reduced costs so organizations can efficiently and affordably:

• effectively communicate with individuals in multiple languages
• improve access to programs and services
• improve customer satisfaction and build trust

How to Integrate Multilingual Communication Accessibility Into Your Event Planning

To provide a fully inclusive event experience for multilingual guests, consider a variety of accommodations from registration through post-event follow-up.

Before the Event

• Include a question about accessibility needs in event sign-up forms. Support multilingual registration with an event website allowing registrants to select their preferred language. Gathering this information in advance allows time to prepare event materials and line up appropriate services.
• Provide pre-event materials and instructions in attendees’ preferred language, including the accessibility services they can anticipate prior to the event.
• Provide details on where to go on the day of the event and how to access interpreting, translation, and captioning.

If you’re providing on-site interpreters or Video Remote Interpreting services for your event, consult your interpreting provider well in advance to secure adequate staffing.

Training and Support

Prepare any technology you will use to deliver accessibility services, including microphones, monitors or projectors or displaying media, and setting up accounts and apps. Do test runs for all equipment to detect potential technical problems.

If you’re using Sorenson Forum or Sorenson Express for your event, Sorenson provides a guided onboarding and setup process, as well as technical support.

Multilingual Events Accessibility Best Practices

To provide a seamless experience for your multilingual guests, you can use visual signage on the event grounds to help everyone find their way even before they take advantage of any accessibility services you’re offering. Use visual aids and gestures to guide them to where they need to go and to draw attention to interpreting, translation, or captioning availability.

If you’ve scheduled interpreters, prepare them with all related event information and subject matter details. Well-prepared interpreters can most efficiently deliver the presenter’s message and enhance the experience for attendees.

Take the Next Step Today

To learn more about how multilingual accessibility services can elevate your events, reach out to our team to discuss your communication needs and the most fitting solutions to help you create an inclusive and engaging environment.

Request a consultation or demo of Sorenson services

Compare Sorenson Forum and Sorenson Express Multilingual

Sources

1. https://cis.org/Report/673-Million-United-States-Spoke-Foreign-Language-Home-2018
2. What Languages Do We Speak in the United States? (census.gov)