Hello, everyone. Now that in our first two video tutorials we have discussed the general practical steps required for implementing access facilities at arts events, in this and in the following videos, we will examine the steps involved in implementing specific access facilities. In this video, we will look at what you need to do to provide Braille, Large Letters and Easy Read materials for an accessible event. It is important to plan for and have Braille, Large Letters and Easy Read materials produced well in advance of an accessible event. Indeed, some venues have their programmes printed 18 months in advance of performances. A programme of acccessible events in Braille, Large Letters and Easy Read should include the cast list and a synopsis for each performance. You will need to decide whether you will produce your own materials or whether you want to commission expert organisations to do it for you, such as Braille translation company Braille Translations or the UK charity for people with sight loss the RNIB, which produces materials in Braille, Large Letters and Easy Read. If you decide to produce your own materials, you will need to factor in the costs of equipment, such as Braille printers or embossers, which are manufactured by companies such as Braillo, Enabling Technologies, Index Braille and ViewPlus. You will also need to purchase embosser paper and software such as Duxbury Braille Translator. There are also several options for free software, such as NFBTRANS, Braille Translator or Turbo Braille. You also need to invest time in training, for example in familiarising yourself with Braille software or with the guidelines for producing Easy Read materials, such as Mencap�s guidelines for accessible writing. Braille should also be used to improve your venue�s accessibility, and can be added to signs and to buttons in lifts. It�s also a really good idea to add Braille seat numbers to the backs of seats in the auditorium. As for promotional material for accessible events and for the venue, these should be accessible and should clearly state that a programme of accessible events is available in Braille, Large Letters and Easy Read formats. There should also be clear instructions on how patrons can request these. You could arrange to have them posted to patrons together with a CD of the audio introduction. Also, your country or region�s postal company may offer postal services to customers who are blind or partially sighted that are free of charge, such as the UK Post Office�s Articles for the Blind scheme. All staff should receive training on Braille, Large Letters and Easy Read formats and on how they can be used at accessible arts venues and events. Moreover, box office staff should be trained to know how to inform patrons about the availability of Braille, Large Letters and Easy Read materials. When the day of your accessible performance finally arrives, make sure that box office and front of house staff know where the Braille, Large Letters and Easy Read materials are located. It is also good practice to make the synopsis of the performance available for patrons on the day of the event, as some may find it useful to refer to during the performance. Once the performance is over, try to gather feedback by chatting to patrons if you can. Moreover, you can ask patrons for comments on their preferences with regard to Braille, Large Letter and Easy Read materials via a range of methods, such as phone, email, or even video message. Keep a record of feedback so you can gauge which issues recur. Also, ensure that any invoices are paid promptly and give feedback to your suppliers.
