Organising a concert accessible to Deaf and hard of hearing audiences: a practical guide
Organising a concert accessible to Deaf and hard of hearing audiences is an exciting project, but it needs some planning to be a success.
Music sign language cannot be improvised
For music sign language, the first step is to contact 10 Doigts en Cavale, several months before the event.
First, we will decide together which artist(s) will be signed, then how many songs will be translated.
Once the technical needs and the quote are approved, the setlist must be sent to the sign-song interpreters about three months before the concert, so that they can work on translating and adapting the songs.
In short: contacting us as early as possible is usually best!
Plan your funding needs
For music sign language and other services such as vibrating vests, induction loops or others, it is important to plan the funding needed to provide these accessibility services.
Applications for grants or financial support should be started several months, or even years, in advance, to secure the resources needed to set up these services.
Work on communication in advance
Planning the communication and promotion of your event's accessibility is also essential to reach and attract the target audience.
For example, 10 Doigts en cavale offers videos in sign language, with subtitles and voice-over, to reach every audience.
Here is an example below:
Work with local associations
Involving the people concerned from the start of the project is also a good idea. The target audience becomes an actor and an ambassador!
For example: Deaf people in charge of welcoming the audience on the day can guide the signing audience (people who communicate in LSF) and help create a warm, suitable and caring environment.
By including these elements from the start, event organisers can turn their concerts into enriching and inclusive experiences, celebrating diversity and allowing everyone to enjoy the magic of music.
