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Planning virtual events allows you to connect with a global audience. It’s an innovative alternative to in-person events that is more flexible, affordable, and accessible for attendees. When planning a virtual event, you’ll want to ensure that your approach is inclusive and compliant with regulations. Incorporating features that can improve the accessibility of the experience is the best way to enhance the attendee experience and broaden your audience’s reach. Here’s how to start prioritizing virtual event accessibility.
Understanding Accessibility Needs
Virtual events are an innovative marketing tool businesses can use to boost brand awareness and engage their target audience. Recent studies suggest virtual events can increase session attendance rates by 30%. Not only that, but virtual events can also lead to a 22% increase in satisfaction rates.
When planning your event, you’ll want to ensure that it’s accessible for the diverse needs of participants, including people with disabilities and language barriers. You’ll also want to consider the ethical obligations of hosting accessible virtual events. As an event planner, you have a moral obligation to ensure that your event is accessible to all attendees you plan on inviting.
Captioning
Captioning tools ensure that your audio content is accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. These tools can also make listening to virtual sessions and keynote presentations easier in loud environments. Allowing your attendees to customize their listening experience based on their needs can boost attendee engagement and let viewers watch without sound if they want to.
With CART captioning services, you can get accurate, verbatim captioning in real-time with minimal delay. These services are accurate, affordable, and versatile, depending on the needs of your event.
Sign Language Interpretation Services
ASL interpreting for virtual events can help make your event sessions more engaging for individuals with deaf or hard of hearing. It also ensures your audience’s needs are being met. If you plan on hiring a sign language interpreter, you’ll want to schedule some time before the event to brief them on the content. You’ll also want to consider what tools and resources you can include to make the experience easier for them.
Here are some tips to help make working with a sign language interpreter easier and more effective:
VRI services are cost-effective and convenient. They can also help you improve communication with individuals who are hard of hearing or deaf.
Screen Reader Compatibility
Guaranteeing your virtual event is compatible with screen readers ensures content is accessible to the people who are blind or low vision. To ensure your event is compatible with screen readers, pre-upload your content before the event. You’ll also need to include alt text for all images shown on the screen or during presentations.
Language Translation and Multilingual Support
Investing in translation services like HRI-CART can help you reach a global audience, ensuring that all virtual events are accessible to individuals who speak a different language. These tools can help you build stronger connections with international customers and position yourself as a global brand that understands your audience’s needs.
Interactive Accessibility Features
Interactive tools like Q&A sessions, polls, or live chats can help you maximize attendee participation and user engagement. Ensuring the Q&As and polls are accessible to others will also help you better understand your audience’s likes, interests, and thoughts.
We live in a digital age, where virtual events continue to grow in popularity. To keep up with the trends and keep your audience engaged, you’ll need to prioritize virtual event accessibility and ensure your events are compliant with industry standards. HRI-CART is here to help make your next virtual event more accessible for everyone. We offer custom solutions and expert advice for virtual event accessibility. Reach out to us today!
