Supporting and Prioritising Accessibility and Inclusivity

On this page are some small steps that we can each take to show support for individuals of all backgrounds, identities and abilities to making the NPDC21 an inclusive and accepting event.

Throughout the NPDC21

Pronouns

Rename yourself to include your pronouns in your Zoom name. This allows others to know how to address you without the need to ask. You access more information on other specific actions you can take with your pronouns.

Pre-session etiquette

Make sure you read through the housekeeping slide at the beginning of the event.

Mute your microphone if you are not speaking.

Follow the chairs instructions on how to ask questions and the etiquette for the event.

Asking questions

You can type questions into the chat or Q&A function as the session progresses. However, during the parallel sessions, if you'd rather verbally ask your question, please type an $ symbol in the chat or raise your hand on the participants window and the speakers/ facilitators will come to you during the Q&A.

Speaker introductions

We request that wherever possible, all speakers introduce themselves with their pronouns and a quick audio description of their appearance and setting. For example: "My name is Sarah and my pronouns are she and her. I’m a young African woman with short, curly brown hair and black eyes. I’m wearing a t-shirt that has pink and green stripes. Behind me, I have a bookshelf and a large floor lamp."

Additional needs

For those who require BSL interpreters, please make yourselves known to the organisers, and we would advise that you type your question or comment in the chat, unless you have difficulties, in which case, please let the chair know of your preference. 

Live-captioning and BSL interpreting

In order to include and cater to as many participants as possible during the NPDC21 headline sessions, we have taken appropriate measures.

Speech-to-text live captioning

We will provide expert speech-to-text live captioning both events. Our video-conferencing software has in-built closed captions, but these are only available to attendees, not speakers, and are sometimes inaccurate or have time delays. Please click this link to access live captions for this session: https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=UniversityOfLiverpool, hard of sight options available. This link will sit beside Zoom should you not want the captions on screen, and instead want to access the live captions separately.

Transcripts

We have commissioned transcripts that we will publish alongside the event recordings and included subtitles in the videos.

BSL interpretation

We will provide BSL interpretation as standard rather than waiting for anyone to request them. Anyone needing to watch the BSL interpreters can pin the interpreters’ videos to make it easier to view the BSL in a larger box. For all others, the BSL interpreters will part of the normal gallery view.

Our BSL interpreters have shared the following recommendations for speakers to keep in mind to ensure optimal accessibility:

  • Speak clearly and loud enough for individuals with minimal hearing impairments to hear what is being said
  • Speak at a normal speed
  • One person contributes at a time
  • If there are any visuals, PowerPoints etc being used, a slight pause would be helpful to allow the interpreters and any deaf attendees focus
  • A slight pause between speakers

We are keen to ensure the NPDC21 is as inclusive and accessible as possible. If you have any other ideas that we can incorporate, please email researcher@liverpool.ac.uk

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