World Congress

1
World Congress

• Mexico

2
Accessibility

• Make sure the venue is accessible for all
  people including those who
• Are in wheelchairs.
• Use a walking aid.
• Require assistance to walk.
• Require access to a lift as they cannot climb
  stairs

3
Accessibility

• Food and drink needs to be accessible for all.
• Ensure there is space for wheelchairs.
• Ensure those who cannot stand for a longtime
  have seating available.
• Watch for bottles and containers that are hard
  to open.
• It is good to find out if people have any
  special dietary needs.

4
Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible toilets that are clearly
  marked are essential.
• Lifts should be clearly marked so can be easily
  found.
• Ensure that venues for functions are wheelchair
  friendly and accessible.
• Tell public transport operators that there will
  be people with mobility needs using their
  services.

5
Mobility

• Wheelchair transport will be required to
  transport people from the airport to their hotels
  and may be required to transport people from
  their Hotel to the Congress Centre.
• Some people find it difficult to walk more than
  a short distance

6
Appropriate Support

• People attending the congress must have the
  appropriate support to cover their needs, as in
  the past some people have been left to their own
  devices without their support needs being met
• It is good to have the workshop titles in all of
  the most common languages

7
Appropriate Support

• Some will require a personal Support Person to
  be able to participate in the Congress.
• This raises issues regarding Congress fees as
  many of these people are volunteers who are then
  expected to pay a fee to be able to provide the
  support that is needed.

8
Breaks

• Make sure there are rest areas for other people
  who due to their health needs need to take a
  break or rest.
• Try to provide a quiet area where people can
  have a break.

9
Breaks

• It is good to have rest periods in between
  workshops as this gives people the opportunity to
  network with others and talk about any issues.
• Therefore it is necessary to have areas in
  which this can take place.

10
Pre-Congress Briefing

• At previous congresses we have found it helpful
  to have an informal get together the day before
  the congress starts so people can familiarise
  themselves with the venue and ask any pressing
  questions.
• This should include a brief walk around the
  Congress venue.

11
Plain Language

• This is always a major issue at Congress.
• Inclusion Internationals expectation is that
  all people will be able to hear and understand
  what is being said.
• Often the material has to be translated by
  friends or support people. They may not be
  translating from their first language.

12
Plain Language

• When people are speaking they need to use plain
  language and use visual aids if necessary.
• This is really important, as people need to
  understand what is being said. It also gives the
  opportunity for people to participate.
• There needs to be guidelines for presentations
  in plain language.

13
Plain Language

• ALL speakers must accept that they will be
  speaking to the whole cross section of people
  invited to attend.
• They must prepare their presentations (notes and
  speech) in plain language.
• They should ask that their notes be reviewed by
  a person who understands the use of plain
  language.

14
Plain Language

• Unskilled presenters try to present far too much
  information. They rush their presentation and
  speak far too quickly.
• A skilled presenter will cover their topic well.
  They allows people time to translate and allow
  time for discussion or comment.

15
Plain Language

• Over Head Projector presentations and Power
  Point Presentations must use print size that is
  easy to read. Presentations must not be over
  loaded with data or unnecessary words.
• People need to time their speech to ensure that
  it can be delivered in the time available.

16
Translation

• Having the text available assists people who are
  translating.
• Time has to be allowed for translation into
  other languages. For example the speaker may use
  Spanish and a translator has to then translate
  into Swedish.
• The person translating into Swedish may speak
  English as a second language. Therefore they
  need extra time to translate.
• They may also not be a professional translator.

17
Translation

• Another idea is to use a Personal Translator.
• The speaker say speaks in Spanish. She
  delivers a part of her speech.
• A translator then translates what has been
  said into English.
• This gives other translators time, while the
  speaker is again speaking, to translates from say
  English into Swedish.
• It may be necessary to have two microphones
  available to make this work well.

18
Contacts

• For more information please contact either
• Robert.Martin_at_ihc.org.nz
• or
• Desmond.Corrigan_at_ihc.org.nz