By Don Urquhart
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is taking steps to improve accessible communication during emergencies with a focus on sign language, closed and open captioning and subtitles.
During major emergencies such as wildfires and floods, the RDOS Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) hosts live video updates to provide real-time information but without any written captioning or sign language.
“In British Columbia, we face a significant lack of equality in accessible communication during emergencies,” said Arlene Brenner, of the volunteer Advocate Accessibility Partners.
“Many announcements and live streams are designed primarily for those who can hear, leaving individuals with varying hearing abilities at a disadvantage. The disparity underscores the urgent need for inclusive communication measures.”
On Thursday, November 16 the RDOS Corporate Services Committee voted unanimously to provide a letter of support to Advocate Accessibility Partners.
The advocacy group is preparing a petition to request the Province take immediate action to use professional American Sign Language (ASL)/English interpreters and include closed captioning, open captioning, or subtitles during important government announcements.
“I believe that a letter of support from the board would greatly enhance the credibility and impact of this initiative,” said Arlene Brenner, Advocate Accessibility Partners. “It would also signify the board’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all residents in our community.”
Brenner says she is aiming for 1,000 signatures for the purpose of getting “hearing people, deaf people, hard of hearing people and all people really to be educated about the importance of sign language captioning.” She notes that it is important access not only for deaf people but also new immigrants to Canada who may benefit from written language.
“The EOC information section is exploring options to incorporate professional ASL/English interpreters into the online emergency broadcasts,” said Mark Pendergraft, RDOS Chair. “This is a major step forward in accessibility, and it will require a reconfiguration of the video updates to ensure interpreters are front and centre.”
Closed captioning is available during online broadcasts, and the RDOS says staff are working to improve the accuracy of captions on the Webex and YouTube platforms.
