Short Course in Live Captioning, Audio Description and Hearing Loops

Submodule 1.1. Hearing and visual impairment at events

Learn about user profiles and their real needs for accessing content.

Submodule 1.2. Accessibility regulatory framework

Review applicable technical standards, accessibility legislation and audiovisual accessibility requirements.

Submodule 1.3. Design for all in communication

Apply universal design principles from the conception of the program.

Submodule 1.4. Identifying needs at registration

Collect requests for communication support in the registration form.

Submodule 1.5. Planning accessible resources

Decide which services to provide for each session based on format and audience.

Submodule 2.1. Captioning techniques: stenography and respeaking

Compare stenography, respeaking and automatic recognition by quality and cost.

Submodule 2.2. AI-powered automatic captioning

Configure transcription engines and measure their live accuracy.

Submodule 2.3. Captioning quality standards

Apply reading speed, segmentation and caption synchronization criteria.

Submodule 2.4. Integration with screens and streaming

Display captions on room screens, apps and broadcast platforms.

Submodule 2.5. Glossaries and advance preparation

Prepare terminology, proper names and presentations to improve accuracy.

Submodule 3.1. Principles of audio description

Describe relevant visual elements without interfering with dialogue.

Submodule 3.2. Audio description scripts for events

Write descriptions of stages, speakers and key visual moments.

Submodule 3.3. Audio description at shows and ceremonies

Adapt the technique to galas, performances and award ceremonies.

Submodule 3.4. Transmission equipment for users

Distribute audio via receivers, apps or infrared systems.

Submodule 3.5. Touch tours and pre-show briefings

Organize touch tours and advance explanations for blind people.

Submodule 4.1. How induction loops work

Understand how a loop transmits audio to hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Submodule 4.2. Fixed, portable and counter loops

Choose the type of loop for the room, counter or audience area.

Submodule 4.3. Installation and measurement to IEC 60118-4

Verify field strength and coverage in line with the technical standard.

Submodule 4.4. Alternative FM and infrared systems

Compare assistive transmission alternatives for complex spaces.

Submodule 4.5. Signage and communicating the service

Signpost loop areas and explain to attendees how to use them.

Submodule 5.1. Coordination with technical production

Integrate accessible services into the technical rider and rehearsals.

Submodule 5.2. Hiring professionals and suppliers

Select captioners, audio describers and interpreters using quality criteria.

Submodule 5.3. Live incident protocol

Resolve signal loss, delays or reception failures during the session.

Submodule 5.4. Budgeting accessible services

Estimate costs per session and justify the investment to the client.

Submodule 5.5. Evaluation with users

Gather user feedback and measure quality to improve future editions.

Design the communication accessibility plan for a conference with live captioning, audio description and hearing loops, including budget and operating protocol.