In this unit we talk about specific requirements for assistance animals as well as equipment for translation and interpreting. Other services might also require adaptations of the building or its interior. Assistance animals are animals (primarily dogs) which are specially trained to assist persons with disabilities. There are different types of assistance animals. Well known are guide dogs (for the blind), hearing dogs or seizure alert dogs. Their tasks may include pulling a wheelchair, retrieving dropped items or pressing an elevator button. Seizure alert dogs can appear to misbehave when they predict a seizure and warn their owner. In European countries, assistance animals are legally permitted to accompany their owners in all places. This also means that they are allowed into public buildings, such as theatres or opera houses. Only in exceptional circumstances, organisations have the right to deny entry, for example hospitals. It is important to note that assistance animals are at work and should not be treated like pets. Therefore, people should not touch, pet, feed, distract or praise the animal, or separate the person using the animal's service from the animal, unless you have the express permission of the handler. Assistance dogs should have formal identification. In many countries, this can have the form of a harness in a certain colour or even branded dog jackets. Owners should be able to provide some sort of evidence. Usually, the animal stays with its owner. You might ask the holder if the animal's requirements regarding watering are already met or if your organisation should provide a blanket, dog basket or a water bowl. Other visitors might be afraid of the assistance animal or might have allergies, but that is not a valid reason to deny access to people using service animals. You should be prepared to welcome assistance animals and know the procedures. You do not need to worry because these animals are trained to stay calm and refrain from barking in different situations including a loud or sudden noise such as a "boom". Other services offered by your organisation might be translation and interpreting including simultaneous interpreting, sign language interpreting, surtitling or audio description. More information on the different types of translation and interpreting are provided in the following units. For example, simultaneous interpreters often sit in a sound-proof booth. They should have a clear unobstructed view of the speaker, the stage, the performance or even the audience. Another form of interpreting during a performance might be chuchotage. This form of interpreting requires portable simultaneous interpreting equipment including headphones and wireless receivers for the audience and a transmitter with a microphone for the interpreter. Sign language interpreters, on the other hand, are standing on the stage and should be clearly visible by the people who are using their service. There should be enough light and they should have a position at the front of the stage. Surtitles are translated or transcribed lyrics or dialogue projected above a stage or displayed on a screen, commonly used in opera. There are different systems available. The most common ones are surtitle screens, including a frame and projection, above a stage or projected dialogue. So, everyone can read the text. However, this might distract some people from the performance. Therefore, some systems make the surtitles visible to individual viewers, e.g. small screens installed in front of each seat that can be switched on individually. These screens are used in combination with a special software. To sum up, technical requirements related to special services and assistance might include purchasing equipment or adapting your venue. Assistance animals are at work and might need water or a blanket. Simultaneous interpreters need interpreting booths (one booth per language) or portable interpreting equipment. Sign language interpreters should be clearly visible on the stage. Surtitle screens above the stage or projected dialogue should be visible to everyone or to individuals.
