Learning legacy Lessons learned from planning and staging the London 2012 Games

Accessibility review for Abstract deaf and deafblind Click here for BSL people Click here for International Sign

The London Organising Committee of The report also provides a the Olympic Games and Paralympic breakdown of recommendations, Games (LOCOG) was mandated to approved by a consortium of deaf- ensure that it delivered the most led organisations and organisations accessible Games possible. As part working with deaf people. The most of this, LOCOG aimed to establish pertinent lesson that LOCOG has new equality and inclusion standards learned is the need to work closely for future sport event organisers to with these organisations at the aspire to and achieve. The commencement of any projects in overarching aim of this deaf-led order to avoid deaf people enduring report is to share deaf people’s negative experiences at later stages. experiences with sport event organisers and suppliers to improve communication access for deaf people at future sporting events.

The accessibility review for deaf and deafblind people focuses on lessons Author learned both prior to and during the Josef Baines MSc London 2012 Games. This report Chair of Deaf Community outlines highlights and successes of Outreach Team, LOCOG the London 2012 Games, as well as key challenges that future sport event organisers and suppliers can learn from.

1 Background years. Although much of the ‘Deaf people in the UK feedback was from respondents who are still experiencing Click here for BSL are BSL users, the participants are Click here for International Sign people with a variety of different communication barriers hearing levels and who thus rely on that prevent them being Deaf people in the UK are still a diverse range of communication experiencing communication barriers methods. able to participate fully that prevent them being able to in society’. participate fully in society. The Much care has been taken to ensure overarching aim of this deaf-leda that the report also supports the report is to continue to break down communication requirements of communication barriers for deaf deafened, hard of hearing and people,b both in the UK and pre-lingually deaf people who do not internationally. It was positive that the use BSL. The report also includes London 2012 Games gave deaf feedback given by some of the sign people opportunities to participate language interpreters who provided as Games Maker volunteers and services to the London 2012 Games. ceremony performers as well as to The content of this report has been attend as spectators. fully supported by a consortium of deaf-led organisations and Prior to, during and after the London organisations working closely with 2012 Games, deaf people’s deaf people. experiences were collated through group forums, face-to-face meetings The report focuses on four key parts. and emails in order that this report The first covers highlights of the could provide readers with first-hand London 2012 Games to give readers insights into the challenges and a positive overview of deaf people’s highlights that deaf people experiences during the Games, encountered during the lead up to before focusing on the specific the London 2012 Games and challenges and achievements leading throughout the Games themselves. All up to and during the Games. The face-to-face sessions (whether group second and third parts cover or individual) were conducted in situations leading up to and during British Sign Language (BSL). This the Games and the final part covers qualitative-based report is a recommendations based on lessons culmination of gathering more than learned prior to and during the 300 deaf people’s views and Games. The recommendations do not experiences of LOCOG events and necessarily follow the same order as meetings attended in the past four the report contents. The detailed aims of this report are:

–– To share knowledge and experience of what deaf people and Games- time service providers encountered during the Games for future improvements, both nationally and internationally.

–– To provide sport event organisers and clubs with ideas of how to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 (or equivalent equality legislation applied in other countries) for future events.

–– To share with the rest of the world the successes of staging an accessible Games for deaf people.

–– To maintain the momentum of breaking down barriers for deaf people to enable them to participate fully in future local, national and international sport events as part of the London 2012 Games legacy. a For the purpose of this report, the phrase ‘deaf-led’ –– To educate sport event organisers, Organising Committees of the means deaf people leading something on behalf of Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (OCOGs), National Governing other deaf people. Bodies (NGBs) of sport and local sport organisations about the reasons b For the purpose of this report, the words ‘deaf behind making future sport events and ceremonies accessible for deaf people’ and ‘deaf community’ will be used people. throughout to refer to Deaf (that is, culturally Deaf BSL users), deafblind, pre-lingually deaf non-BSL –– To inspire the next generation of young deaf people to take up sport by users, deafened and hard of hearing people in order to encompass all types of deafness more making events more accessible. readily in the report.

2 LOCOG worked closely with the attaining social parity by 2025 for ‘There are an estimated Department for Culture, Media and deaf and disabled people. This Sport prior to the London 2012 report will help contribute to this 10 million deaf people Games and produced a legacy plan social change by providing and, from that total, for deaf and disabled people1. The recommendations to enhance access legacy plan aims to harness the for deaf people. The legacy plan sets 356,000 deafblind power of the London 2012 Games to out three overarching objectives: people in the UK’. initiate real social change towards

–– Influence the attitudes and perceptions of people to change the way they think about disabled people.

–– Increase the participation of disabled people in sport and physical activity.

–– Promote and drive improvements in business, transport and employment opportunities for disabled people.

This report will also become a There are an estimated 10 million reference tool for future sport event deaf people3 and, from that total, organisers in preparation for the 356,000 deafblind people4 in the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic and UK. It is also worth noting that the Paralympic Games, Glasgow 2014 prevalence of deafness increases Commonwealth Games, 2014 FIFA with age5. The market in connection World Cup in Brazil, 2015 Rugby to deaf and disabled people is large World Cup in England, Rio de but has not yet been fully recognised Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympic by businesses5 and sport Games, 2017 IAAF World Athletics organisations. Deaf and disabled Championships in London, and people have an estimated spending beyond. Further major sport events in power of £80 billion per year5. the UK can be found in Appendix 1. Businesses which have made themselves accessible to deaf and The recommendations outlined in this disabled people are more likely to report are not restricted to major have a rapidly expanding customer sport events; they are also for local base, greater profits and have sport organisations, NGBs of sport, stronger competitive advantage international sport organisations and compared to inaccessible deaf communities to enhance their enterprises5. Furthermore, they are understanding of deaf people’s also more likely to retain customers access requirements prior to and and sport participants5. during sport events. Sport England, Sport Wales, Sport This report will help organisations to Scotland and Sport Northern Ireland follow the Equality Act 2010 as work closely with NGBs of sport with effectively as possible. The Equality the objective of enhancing deaf Act 2010 is a British law that ensures people’s participation in sport organisations and individuals do not through their sports strategies. By put deaf and disabled people in a following the recommendations of position of substantial disadvantage this report and implementing in comparison to non-disabled changes to make activities and sport people when using the same level of events more accessible, more deaf 2 service . Organisations that provide people would be enabled to watch, goods, services or facilities to the volunteer and/or participate in sport. public are obliged to make reasonable adjustments in three key areas: i) physical features; ii) auxiliary aids; iii) service provision2 in order to meet deaf and disabled people’s access requirements.

3 Highlights of the London The second was that deaf people ‘...members of the deaf were able to volunteer as Games 2012 Games Makers and work as equals community felt that the alongside their hearing peers. This Opening and Closing Click here for BSL served as a perfect demonstration of Click here for International Sign an integrated volunteering system. Ceremonies were more The public and members of the deaf accessible and inclusive Members of the deaf community community felt inspired by the than expected.’ acknowledged that there were three Games Makers because of their key highlights of the London 2012 dedication, enthusiasm and positive Games which had a huge impact attitude, and the impact they had on them. upon the success of the Games.

The first was that members of the The third highlight of the Games was deaf community felt that the Opening the involvement of deaf Torchbearers, and Closing Ceremonies were more which encouraged deaf people to accessible and inclusive than attend Torch Relays to watch their expected, and they were pleasantly deaf friends take part. Many said it surprised to see deaf performers and was a ‘spine-tingling moment’ other performers using sign language watching hearing and deaf in the Olympic Stadium. Members of Torchbearers pass on the Flame to the deaf community were most each other, a great demonstration of impressed by seeing Her Majesty everyone being a part of the event The Queen deliver her opening together as equals. The Torch Relay address with a BSL interpreter provided a huge public relations working next to her during the opportunity for deaf people and Paralympic Games Opening allowed them to raise their profile Ceremony. within their local communities.

Registered sign language interpreter next to Her Majesty The Queen.

4 Situation leading up to The third achievement was that deaf ‘...LOCOG’s members of the LOCOG Deaf the London 2012 Games Community Outreach Team (DCOT) Communications and felt appreciated when LOCOG asked Public Affairs team Click here for BSL them to create sign names for Click here for International Sign Wenlock and Mandeville, the London decided to establish an 2012 mascots. DCOT members got Accessible Formats Media and communications together and spent hours debating Group tasked with Achievements suggested signs to best depict The first achievement was the Wenlock and Mandeville. These identifying LOCOG Deaf Day in March 2011 name signs were then broadcast communication issues and the media briefing day for deaf during a short animated film called media organisations. These events ‘Out of a Rainbow’, based on that would affect deaf gave deaf people the chance to find Michael Morpurgo’s story; a version people...’ out how they could be involved with of which was released with BSL the Games. Furthermore, the Chair of in-vision interpretation. the London 2012 Forum attended a London 2012 reception hosted by With regard to BSL in-vision Harrow Asian Deaf Club to update interpretation, LOCOG’s the local deaf community. These Communications and Public Affairs events were organised specifically for team decided to establish an deaf people to ensure they did not Accessible Formats Group tasked miss out on any relevant information. with identifying communication issues that would affect deaf people along The second achievement was that with other accessibility issues. As a during the City Lit College Deaf Day result of this work, BSL videos with c more than 300 deaf people each subtitles were initially incorporated year (from 2010 to 2012) on some sections of LOCOG’s approached LOCOG’s stall to find website until a webpage was created out about the London 2012 Games specifically for deaf people. and how they could be involved. LOCOG chair Seb Coe also visited Oak Lodge School for Deaf Children to discuss the London 2012 Games with pupils.

LOCOG chair Seb Coe visiting Oak Lodge School for Deaf Children to launch London 2012 Speakers for Schools Week

c For the purpose of this report, the word ‘subtitles’ will be used throughout to refer to subtitles and speech-to-text transcriptions.

5 Key challenges identified by LOCOG used during the pre-assessment and members of the deaf community stage, which generated Deaf people said that they would like communication barriers. to see any important publicity materials released in BSL format with Why are these challenges important subtitles so that they could to deaf people? understand information being sent A procurement system that is not out to the general public. Deaf accessible to deaf-led enterprises can people felt that most publicity preclude them from the tendering materials were not in plain English process. Awarding tenders to deaf and were not easy to understand. organisations can help catalyse the breakdown of social barriers by Why are these challenges important securing services that are inclusive to deaf people? and accessible to the public in Deaf people who rely on BSL need to general. Consulting widely with the have information that is tailored to deaf community prior to the launch their communication requirements. By of contract opportunities will ensure making communication materials that deaf-led businesses are given an accessible and easily digestible, deaf equal opportunity to secure supplier people would have been much more contracts. engaged and involved prior to the London 2012 Games London 2012 Games planning, staff awareness and secondments Procurement Click here for BSL Click here for BSL Click here for International Sign Click here for International Sign Achievements Achievements LOCOG staff members took part in The establishment of procurement deaf awareness training courses specifically for organisations which delivered by deaf-led organisations deliver communication and media to help enhance their understanding services to the deaf community was of working with deaf people. A welcomed by deaf people. significant number of LOCOG staff This procurement opportunity members even went on sign demonstrated LOCOG’s open- language courses to learn basic minded approach in making the communication with deaf people. Games inclusive and accessible and This is a considerable achievement gave deaf people and deaf because once LOCOG disbands as businesses the chance to win an organisation, former staff supplier contracts. members will be able to spread their knowledge and skills in their new Key challenges identified by LOCOG roles elsewhere. and members of the deaf community Although the procurement The establishment of the LOCOG opportunity was welcomed by DCOT was a good strategy, which members of the deaf community, helped LOCOG gain an deaf people felt that more could understanding of how to account for have been done to enhance the deaf people’s needs and to ensure procurement process. The criteria for effective buy-in following input from selecting high quality, Registered the deaf community. Sign Language Interpreters (RSLIs)6 were not properly taken into account Providing secondment and and the deaf community were not volunteering opportunities to deaf properly consulted in advance of the people and deaf-led organisations procurement process. The was a beneficial move by LOCOG introduction of CompeteFor by the because working alongside deaf Greater London Authority to make volunteers and deaf staff members procurement opportunities more allowed LOCOG staff members to accessible to businesses7 still did not understand more about the impact make it accessible for deaf people. their work would have on the deaf The procurement process was community. In return, deaf people deemed over-complex and unclear were given the opportunity to due to the procurement language develop and diversify their skills in a fast-paced and highly driven

6 environment. The skills deaf people Games Makers interviews and ‘Deaf people were developed while working in LOCOG training in turn benefited their own Click here for BSL impressed with how organisations by offering different Click here for International Sign proactive, open-minded perspectives to the projects they deliver. Achievements and positive LOCOG A significant number of deaf people staff members were in Key challenges identified by LOCOG applied for Games Maker and members of the deaf community volunteering roles prior to the London ensuring that access was Members of the deaf community felt 2012 Games. This demonstrated the in place in their projects that a number of LOCOG projects successful reach of LOCOG’s did not initially budget for or take publicity to the deaf community. for deaf people.’ into account the needs of deaf people. A project budget or plan that Key challenges identified by LOCOG did not include deaf people’s access and members of the deaf community requirements at initial stages Although the Games Maker roles generated difficulties at later stages, attracted a significant number of which in turn made projects deaf people, members of the deaf challenging for deaf people community felt that the Games Maker to access. interview process was stressful due to issues with sign language interpreter Deaf people were impressed with bookings. In some cases unqualified how proactive, open-minded and ‘sign language interpreters’ who positive LOCOG staff members were were not registered with the National in ensuring that access was in place Registers of Communication in their projects for deaf people. Professionals working with Deaf and However, deaf people felt that when Deafblind People (NRCPD) were they worked with each LOCOG booked to interpret the interviews department, there was a lack of and were unable to communicate inter-departmental interaction effectively with deaf candidates. regarding access for deaf people. Furthermore, some deaf people who This meant that deaf people had to turned up for their interview were repeat the reasons for making asked to come back on another projects accessible for deaf people, occasion, sometimes more than which was a challenge when twice, because a RSLI was not working in a fast-paced environment. available at that time.

Why are these challenges important Why are these challenges important to deaf people? to deaf people? Planning and consulting with deaf LOCOG and members of the deaf people and deaf-led organisations at community will always welcome and the initial stages of a project ensure actively encourage BSL language that it is more inclusive to deaf learners. Individuals who are people and help reduce accessibility learning BSL can often provide costs at later stages. Considering valuable volunteer assistance at and incorporating deaf people’s community events. However, these needs in project plans help generate individuals will have only basic the right project working habits and language skills and should never be reduce the potential for the project to engaged in situations where an encounter challenges at later stages. NRCPD RSLI is required. An interview By working and communicating more system that had been established in often with other departments, deaf consultation with deaf people and people’s access barriers will be experienced RSLIs at the early stages removed. Additionally, resources and of the Games Maker project would knowledge of making projects more have resolved the challenges deaf accessible will be shared more effectively. people encountered during the interviews.

7 Ticketing Accreditation process ‘60 per cent of deaf and Click here for BSL Click here for BSL disabled people would Click here for International Sign Click here for International Sign recommend a service to Achievements Key challenges identified by LOCOG LOCOG worked closely with and members of the deaf community their family and friends if Ticketmaster to ensure that the Sign language interpreter suppliers they perceive it to be ticketing system was accessible to felt that the overall accreditation deaf people by incorporating Text process was rushed and that being deaf or disability- Relay, Minicom, SMS numbers and asked to organise interpreter friendly.’ email contact details on the bookings and supply RSLIs’ names to Ticketmaster website and in other LOCOG one week before the start of publications to enable deaf people the Olympic Games was unrealistic, to contact Ticketmaster effectively if challenging and, in some cases, they encountered issues with the impossible. ticketing process. Why are these challenges important Key challenges identified by LOCOG to deaf people? and members of the deaf community Securing and booking RSLIs is Although significant numbers of deaf difficult because there is a shortage, people went to watch the Games, which creates a high demand for deaf people felt that the ticketing RSLIs. Deaf people who are not process was complex and that there watching the Games or volunteering was a lack of explanation of the continue to require RSLIs for their process in BSL. BSL videos had been daily needs, such as medical produced and provided but not appointments and access to their directly on the London 2012 website employment. A last-minute which was an issue. accreditation process for RSLIs created challenges in organising Why are these challenges important effective interpreter bookings since to deaf people? interpreters need to be booked well An accessible and simplified ticketing in advance in order to secure their process would have allowed more services. To ensure that appropriate deaf people to apply for tickets and RSLIs are booked to provide optimal greater deaf community participation interpreting services at Games time, in watching the Games. Further, it effective accreditation processes and would help future sport event booking arrangements need to be organisations to achieve their targets completed well in advance of any of having more deaf people interpreted event. watching the Games because deaf and disabled people are highly likely to share their experiences about customer services and application processes with their deaf and disabled peers. In addition, 60 per cent of deaf and disabled people would recommend a service to their family and friends if they perceive it to be deaf or disability-friendly.5

8 Situation during the that the use of subtitles is beneficial ‘Members of the deaf regardless of whether they use a London 2012 Games signed or a spoken language10. community believe that Results also found that subtitles aid the key achievement of Subtitles during sport competitions both deaf and hearing children LOCOG’s communication Click here for BSL because it helps improve their Click here for International Sign literacy, spelling and turn-taking in work was the dedicated conversations, and enhances their BSL webpage with daily Key challenges identified by LOCOG desire to read. In addition, being and members of the deaf community able to read subtitles allows deaf updates of the London Members of the deaf community felt children and adults a better chance 2012 Games delivered that that there was a lack of of parity with their hearing peers communication access at the because they receive the same or 10 in BSL.’ Olympic Stadium and other venues similar information (minus vocal (including the screens at the Live intonation). Lastly, there is an Sites) throughout competitions during increase in the number of people 3 the London 2012 Games. Most with a hearing loss due to an sports had a commentary prior to the ageing population and younger start of competition, again during, people who have caused damage to and for the victory ceremonies. A their hearing by listening to loud deaf spectator said that she enjoyed music through in-the-ear devices. watching the Games but benefited Both are more likely to rely on from having her hearing mother with subtitles during live events. her to tell her what was happening. She realised that had she been with Even at events with no formal her deaf friends then they would not speeches, subtitles are still a useful have understood and would not have way to inform deaf people about the been able to participate in crowd mood of the event, such as letting activities during competition breaks. them know of pauses, silence and Deaf spectators generally felt that environmental sounds and music. subtitles should have been provided Subtitles should always be to ensure equitable access to what synchronised closely with the audible was happening prior to and during environment to avoid putting deaf competitions. Many RSLIs who went people in a position of disadvantage. to watch competitions with their deaf friends had to give up their unpaid Media and communications time and interpret informally because Click here for BSL of the lack of access provided. Click here for International Sign

Not all Live Sites throughout the UK, Achievements including the one in the Olympic Members of the deaf community Park, had subtitles during the Games. believe that the key achievement of If there were subtitles, deaf people LOCOG’s communication work was and sign language interpreters often the dedicated BSL webpage with mentioned that it was not daily updates of the London 2012 synchronised with what was Games delivered in BSL. A variety of happening during events. sport events were also summarised in BSL, which helped to enhance the Lastly, not all pre-recorded videos accessibility of the sports news shown before the start of during the Games. competitions and other events had subtitles, and deaf people felt left out Key challenges identified by LOCOG and less able to enjoy and and members of the deaf community participate fully in the events. Although the daily updates in BSL on the London 2012 website were highly Why are these challenges important appreciated by members of the deaf to deaf people? community, there were a number of The majority of deaf people in the areas where they felt improvements UK rely on subtitles to access theatre, could be made. Firstly, some but not cinema and similar events8,9,10. Many all films produced by LOCOG were people also rely on subtitles to subtitled during the Games. access television and video content. Secondly, deaf people frequently Research with deaf children found commented that the presentation

9 style of the daily BSL video updates Opening and Closing Ceremonies ‘Deaf volunteers and was unsatisfactory because there Click here for BSL were no pictures or films of the events Click here for International Sign performers featured to make the sports news more vibrant during all four and relevant. Members of the deaf Achievements community felt that embedding BSL The key highlight of the London 2012 ceremonies and were translations throughout the London Opening and Closing Ceremonies involved in most 2012 website would have been more was how open-minded the effective rather than placing this Ceremonies production team were in performances.’ content on one separate page. genuinely wanting to ensure they achieved the right communication Lastly, members of international deaf access for deaf people. Another communities felt that they missed out highlight was the Ceremonies on Games-time daily updates production team’s decision to appoint because the information was shown deaf Creative Co-Director, Jenny in BSL, a language not universally Sealey, for the Paralympic Games understood. Throughout the London Opening Ceremony, and to have 2012 Games, deaf people also Dame Evelyn Glennie, the profoundly commented that there was a lack of deaf percussionist, perform at the deaf sign language media presenters Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. employed; deaf people are no The Ceremonies team also brought in different from members of other the Kaos Signing Choir, a group of minority groups, whereby they feel deaf and hearing children who much more engaged with an event if simultaneously sing and sign songs they see themselves reflected at every during their performance. level. Deaf people were pleased to see the Why are these challenges important opening address by Her Majesty The to deaf people? Queen being interpreted by an Presenting information in BSL and experienced RSLI during the International Sign (IS) with subtitles Paralympic Games Opening on most aspects of the website prior Ceremony. This communication to and during the Games would help access was broadcast worldwide, avoid segregation and make deaf which helped raise the profile of sign people feel included in Games-time language. RSLIs provided access to communications. Incorporating BSL the audience for the warm-up and IS with subtitles would help raise sessions prior to the ceremony and to the profile of the deaf community the speeches during the Paralympic and help catalyse the breakdown of Games Opening Ceremony. Sign negative social perceptions of deaf language during the ceremonies was people within the wider community. It provided as integrated performances also encourages greater deaf by deaf people, which helped take community engagement and ensures communication access for deaf that deaf people do not miss out on people to a new level. The design of information at Games time. Engaging the Olympic Stadium with large the services of deaf presenters and video screens visible from all angles reporters using sign language during helped to enhance the viewing future Games would take the concept experience. Pre-recorded subtitles of inclusiveness to a new level, an were broadcast onto these screens approach that worked successfully for some of the songs and speeches during the Paralympic Games when but not consistently throughout the disabled people presented and ceremonies. Members of the deaf reported on events. community felt this had, at least sometimes, been well considered during the planning stages.

Deaf volunteers and performers featured during all four ceremonies and were involved in most performances. Deaf people often remarked at how inclusive and integrated the ceremonies were and felt that it was a fantastic once-in-a- lifetime opportunity.

10 The success of the Paralympic Games they were framed on the Stadium Opening Ceremony was that it sent video screens for the in-vision out powerful messages about the interpretation. Camera operators concept of inclusion, which will with little or no previous experience hopefully help catalyse lasting social of in-vision interpreting will often change and influence people to frame the sign language interpreter adopt inclusive attitudes and change too tightly, not realising that there their perceptions of deaf people. should be space given to each side of the body and above the head to Key challenges identified by LOCOG accommodate signs articulated away and members of the deaf community from the body. Lastly, there was little With the exception of the Paralympic or no communication from the Games Opening Ceremony, there production team with regard to were many inaccessible where interpreters would be working announcements throughout the and the type of background colour proceedings, such as who the that would be used for the BSL performers were during the in-vision interpretation prior to the ceremonies. This was core ceremonies. information that deaf audience Deaf performer on the sway pole members could not access since RSLIs who were providing the during the Paralympic Games neither subtitles nor BSL interpretation in-vision interpretation for the Opening Ceremony were provided. In addition, subtitles Olympic Games Closing Ceremony were not provided for songs and were initially asked to wear a short speeches, which resulted in costume of light-coloured overcoat varying access for deaf audience and trousers printed with a members. At the Olympic Games newspaper pattern, similar to some Opening Ceremony the issue was of the cast in the ceremony. compounded as the initial plan was Interpreters had to inform the ‘Interpreters were for the Olympic Truce message and production team prior to the other speeches to be subtitled only in ceremony that BSL in-vision generally not provided French with no BSL or English interpreters generally require darker with any information, subtitles, which would have rendered plain clothing with a light blue or it totally inaccessible to deaf people. green background so that there is a such as call sheets, lyrics, In the end, the RSLI team persuaded good level of contrast with the speeches and the production team to subtitle the interpreter’s skin tone in order that live speeches in English as well as signs can be seen clearly. Instead, announcements prior to French to make them more an aubergine background was used. the start of the Opening accessible; however, as the Olympic In addition, last-minute interpreter Truce message had been pre- provisions for the Olympic and Closing Ceremonies recorded, it was not possible to add ceremonies were organised only for to help them prepare English subtitles at such a late stage the audience warm-up acts, not for and, for technical reasons, neither protocol speeches or throughout the fully.’ was it possible for a BSL interpreter to ceremonies. Interpreters were be projected as an in-vision service generally not provided with any onto this film. Therefore, it was information, such as call sheets, broadcast to the stadium in spoken lyrics, speeches and announcements English with French subtitles only. prior to the start of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies to help them During the final dress rehearsals and prepare fully. This affected the the ceremonies themselves, RSLIs had delivery of information from issues with not being able to hear interpreters to the deaf audience. At what was going on either from the the Olympic Games Closing phonic channel aid, headphones, or Ceremony pre-show, interpreters had through the speakers. In one of the to rely on a monitor that was not ceremonies, the interpreters were synchronised with real-time allocated a room in the Stadium with information to attempt to interpret a film camera and a small video information to the deaf audience. monitor screen. This room was The camera crew also kept fading known to have poor audio reception down the interpreters then forgetting and these issues greatly affected to fade them back up, leaving deaf communication between the audience members with intermittent interpreters and the stage team. access. Lastly, the in-vision image at Interpreters had no control over how the bottom right corner of the

11 Stadium screens was too small, interpretation at the Olympic Games ‘...subtitles are important which rendered it difficult for deaf Closing Ceremony was not the people to access. recommended colour and because the majority of contravened accepted practices deaf people in the UK When the deaf sign singers were on expected by the interpreting the stage for the Paralympic Games profession and the deaf community. rely on subtitles to follow Opening Ceremony, the television The aubergine background combined proceedings during camera kept moving away from them with dark clothing worn by thus generating communication barriers interpreters for the BSL in-vision events’ for deaf people watching the event. interpretations made it challenging Lastly, the Olympic and Paralympic for deaf people to see the sign Games Opening and Closing language produced by the Ceremonies had different production interpreter. This challenge was teams and there was no effective exacerbated when combined with transfer of information between the the inadequate space given to the production teams about providing in-vision interpreter. The effective access for deaf people. recommended guidelines for the size of in-vision images must not be less Why are these challenges important than one-sixth of the video screen11 to to deaf people? allow effective viewing for deaf As mentioned above, subtitles are people. Lastly, the colour of clothing important because the majority of worn by BSL in-vision interpreters is deaf people in the UK rely on important because it allows subtitles to follow proceedings during appropriate contrast for deaf people, events8, 9,10. It is important to ensure thus dark, solid colour clothing (for that subtitles synchronise with event example, no bold patterns, polka proceedings to avoid dots or stripes) for interpreters who miscommunication. have light skin or light solid colour clothing (for example, peach, beige The lack of communication from the or off-white colours) for interpreters production team with regard to with dark skin12 with a light blue or where RSLIs would be working in the green background is recommended. Stadium and the type of background colour that would be used for the BSL As mentioned below in the ‘Sign in-vision interpretation affected RSLIs’ language interpreters and sign preparations in determining the best language interpreter suppliers’ clothing for the event to allow section, interpreters, just like effective colour contrast for deaf and performers or presenters, require time deafblind people. The aubergine to rehearse vocabulary and linguistic background used for the BSL in-vision structures suitable for the type of

BSL in-vision interpretation (right hand corner) during the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony warm-up

12 event and environment in which it is Key challenges identified by LOCOG ‘Smooth transfer of taking place, in order to ensure and members of the deaf community effective interpreting. Interpreters do During the Games deaf athletes knowledge and not simply ‘relay’ or ‘pass on’ either had no access to sign resources between information; interpreters use language interpreters or had to cognitive processing to interpret personally pay for their own production teams when between two languages and also interpreters for competitions and there are different act as cultural mediators to facilitate team meetings. Tadhg Slattery, the communication between deaf and South African deaf swimmer, met ceremonies or events is hearing communities. media reporters after his event and necessary to prevent found it challenging to speak to them Smooth transfer of knowledge and while on live television without a sign communication issues resources between production teams language interpreter present. This arising.’ when there are different ceremonies challenge prevented him from or events is necessary to prevent gaining full media exposure. communication issues arising. This transference of information would For future Games and sporting allow the Ceremonies production events, organisers would need to teams to use best practice, seek remind each country’s National appropriate advice on making Paralympic and National Olympic ceremonies accessible and avoid Committees, or similar committees, repeating similar mistakes. about the communication access of their own deaf athletes. National Olympic and Paralympic Committees Why are these challenges important UK grid electricity 78% Click here for BSL to deaf people? Generators diesel 18% Click here for International Sign Elite deaf athletes are rarely recognised for their performances Natural Gas 1% Achievements straight after competitions due to the During the London 2012 Games it lack of communication access for Cauldron 1% was encouraging to see some deaf media interviews. As part of the LPG 1% athletes competing for their London 2012 legacy plan, it is countries. Watching deaf athletes imperative to ensure that future deaf Left over diesel 1% such as Laurentia Tan of Singapore, athletes are recognised in the media Tadhg Slattery of South Africa, and throughout their sport in order to Tamika Catchings of USA and Claire inspire a younger generation of deaf Harvey of Great Britain competing athletes. Without high media was inspiring and they are role exposure of deaf role models, the models for deaf people in the UK sport participation rate of future and worldwide. These deaf athletes’ young deaf athletes will remain low participation during the Games and make it challenging for sport demonstrated that deaf athletes have organisations such as NGBs to the capability to perform at elite expand deaf people’s participation level at major events like the London in sport. 2012 Games.

13 Games Makers Why are these challenges important ‘A key achievement Click here for BSL to deaf people? Click here for International Sign The reasons are similar to the reasons identified by members of outlined in the ‘Accreditation’ section the deaf community was Achievements above, in that it is important for Throughout the London 2012 Games, future sport event organisers to the establishment of a deaf people were impressed with organise RSLI bookings with sign sign language interpreter how approachable, positive and language interpreter suppliers well in friendly the Games Makers were. In advance of the Games. Streamlining budget by LOCOG.’ addition, their attitudes were inclusive the system would prevent deaf and open towards deaf people, volunteers from waiting and missing which made deaf people feel out important information during their appreciated and at ease during the daily team meetings, and to prevent Games. The success of achieving an them from having a negative inclusive and positive Games-time volunteering experience. environment was down to Games Makers’ training prior to the Games. Sign language interpreters and sign Part of this training was to learn the language interpreter suppliers BSL alphabet and become aware of Click here for BSL the challenges deaf people face. Click here for International Sign Deaf Games Makers who participated in the training thought Achievements the whole experience was positive A key achievement identified by and enjoyable. Furthermore, deaf members of the deaf community was people had RSLIs with them during the establishment of a sign language training and at Games time to allow interpreter budget by LOCOG. This them to communicate with their success demonstrated that the Games Maker peers and spectators, provision of RSLIs was considered at which made their volunteering an early stage prior to the Games. experience worthwhile. Deaf Games Makers and deaf performers were able to gain access Key challenges identified by LOCOG to communication and were mostly and members of the deaf community able to participate in the Games. The challenges deaf Games Makers felt were connected to issues already Key challenges identified by LOCOG outlined in the ‘Accreditation’ section and members of the deaf community above. Some RSLIs with accreditation As mentioned earlier in the passes had to obtain or wait for ‘Accreditation’ section, most RSLIs another accreditation pass in order were booked at short notice due to to gain access to deaf Games late confirmation of work from Makers’ specific work-sites. Most LOCOG despite supplier contracts deaf Games Makers arrived on time being in place much earlier. There for their shifts but had to wait for a was no draft timetable of required significant period of time before their interpreting provision provided, RSLIs could join them for work after which made it challenging for sign sorting out their passes. The delayed language interpreter suppliers to plan time was due to last-minute ahead. When full provision was interpreter bookings and the requested suppliers were then unable accreditation system. to fulfil 100 per cent of the bookings.

14 As there were some shortages of Why are these challenges important ‘Booking RSLIs at the last RSLIs at Games time some to deaf people? interpreters had to work very long To provide optimum service with a minute leaves them little hours, which contravened high degree of accuracy, RSLIs time to prepare, which recommended professional rehearse and learn lines to ensure guidelines13,14. In conjunction with the their interpretation is as effective as affects their quality of working hours issue, there was a possible and that deaf BSL users get interpretation during lack of monitoring of sign language parity of access. Booking RSLIs at the interpreters and working practices last minute leaves them little time to global events such as the at Games time to protect interpreters’ prepare, which affects their quality of London 2012 Games.’ wellbeing. interpretation during global events such as the London 2012 Games. According to the providers of the Working longer than the Park Live screen, budgetary recommended times also affects the considerations forced them to omit a quality of the interpretation that can chroma-key (blue/green) background be rendered by RSLIs, which is and camera operator for in-vision detrimental to the right to equality of interpretation, thus limiting the value deaf BSL users. of the viewing experience for deaf BSL users. The Park Live platform interpreters provided were also of limited value due to poor positioning and bad lighting caused by the spectator viewing position being on the canal bank a distance too far from the platform for effective communication. This issue was rectified for the Paralympic Games, where an in-vision interpreting service was provided on the screen, but members of the deaf community felt that this service needed to be better signposted within the Olympic Park.

15 Recommendations Recommendation 1: 1.9 Ceremonies teams should work Opening and Closing Ceremonies– with sign language interpreters Click here for BSL sign language and deaf people well in advance Click here for International Sign Click here for BSL of the events and ceremonies to Click here for International Sign resolve any interpreting access Recommendations in this report have issues for deaf audiences. been approved by a consortium of 1.1 Appropriate contrast background deaf-led organisations and 1.10 Appoint an experienced colours should be used for ‘interpreter coordinator’. S/he organisations working with deaf television in-vision interpretation people who have sponsored this should be a qualified RSLI (or and appropriate clothing worn by equivalent in country of origin) report. The recommendations outlined RSLIs, such as dark solid colours below should help sport event who has several years of (for example, no bold patterns, experience working in event, organisers and sport organisations polka dots or stripes) for ensure that any projects they deliver media and broadcast settings. interpreters who have light skin, or They would oversee the are as accessible and inclusive as light solid colours (for example, possible for deaf people, and ensure interpreting provision at all of the peach, beige or off-white colours) ceremonies, and would select a that they are meeting their obligations for interpreters with dark skin. under the Equality Act 2010 (or other team of appropriately eminent similar international equality laws). 1.2 For any signed songs or any sign professionals who would then language performances, camera advise each production team on The overarching recommendation of operators should focus on these the requirements of the deaf the following points is to work with without moving away. audience. deaf-led organisations and 1.11 Appoint an experienced ‘deaf organisations working closely with 1.3 In addition to recommendation 1.2, ensure that deaf performers access media coordinator’. S/he deaf people to understand more should have several years of about deaf people’s access are more prominent during the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. accessibility experience working in requirements. These organisations event, media and broadcast should be involved right from the 1.4 In-vision images of sign language settings. They would oversee the beginning of any sports event interpreters should not be less than accessibility of media and planning process until the completion one-sixth of the video screen size. broadcast provision at all of the of events in order to prevent Ofcom guidelines should be ceremonies and advise each challenges from occurring at later followed11 (or equivalent guidelines production team on the stages. in country of origin). requirements of the deaf audience. 1.5 Production teams should transfer Recommendation 2: their experience and knowledge to Opening and Closing Ceremonies– all other production teams about subtitles access for deaf people if there is Click here for BSL going to be more than one Click here for International Sign ceremony within a short space of time. 2.1 All events, with or without 1.6 There should be good working speeches, must be subtitled and relationships between production care taken to subtitle any other teams, camera crews and sign sounds and music to allow language interpreters to ensure equitable access for deaf people. effective sign language in-vision 2.2 Subtitles should be consistent interpreter access. throughout any events including 1.7 Sign language interpreters the pre-show. should work near the film crew 2.3 Ceremonies teams should work and stage team in an area of with Speech-to-Text Reporters excellent signal reception for all (STTRs), subtitlers and deaf people performance audio feeds and to well in advance of events and ensure effective communication ceremonies to resolve any regarding the in-vision images so subtitling access issues for deaf that the requirements of the deaf audiences. audience are met. 2.4 Subtitles and BSL in-vision 1.8 Ensure that deaf performers have interpretation with experienced access to sign language RSLIs should be provided interpreters on or near the stage throughout any events and for any communication ceremonies and not just for the requirements. pre-show.

16 2.5 Subtitles during any events and most aspects of the website and ceremonies should be in solid block any subsequent new material black background with white, cyan, uploaded should also be green or yellow letters to allow provided in BSL (or similar in contrast for deaf people. Ofcom country of origin). guidelines should be followed11 (or equivalent guidelines in country of 4.5 Ensure that daily updates in BSL origin). (or similar in country of origin) at Games time are shown in 2.6 Ensure that the timing of subtitles conjunction with other news on synchronises with events and the website to make it more ceremonies by following Ofcom’s engaging for deaf people. guidelines11 (or equivalent guidelines in country of origin). 4.6 Ensure that International Sign translation is included on the website for international deaf Recommendation 3: communities. Subtitles during sport competitions Click here for BSL 4.7 Encourage future television Click here for International Sign broadcasters to employ deaf presenters who are fluent in sign 3.1 All competitions should be language for any sport events subtitled. and ceremonies.

3.2 Any big screens or ‘Live Sites’ 4.8 Ensure that the communication should have subtitles during access budget has been competitions. thoroughly considered at an early stage with regard to publicity 3.3 Ensure that ’Live Sites’, stadium or materials prior to and during the venue screens are suitable for Games. subtitles. 4.9 Work closely with deaf-led 3.4 Ensure that there is effective media organisations to identify synchronisation between event the best communication approach proceedings, sport competitions for deaf people at early planning and subtitles. stages prior to the release of any 3.5 Ensure that all pre-recorded films publicity materials. are subtitled. Recommendation 5: 3.6 Ensure that professional subtitlers Games Makers and STTR have been consulted Click here for BSL with during early planning stages. Click here for International Sign

Recommendation 4: 5.1 NRCPD RSLIs (or equivalent Media and communications registered interpreters in other Click here for BSL countries), subtitlers and STTRs Click here for International Sign should be booked in advance of the Games to interpret during 4.1 Ensure that future publicity the volunteer interview process material content is provided in to meet the diverse range of BSL to make it accessible to the deaf people’s communication deaf community. requirements.

4.2 Printed/electronic materials 5.2 Recruiters should liaise with should be in plain language, such deaf people on a regular basis as plain English (or similar in prior to interviews with regard country of origin), and not too to communication access. wordy. 5.3 Recruiters should work closely 4.3 All pre-recorded films should with deaf people, deaf-led include BSL (or similar in country organisations, RSLIs, the of origin) in-vision interpretation Association of Sign Language and subtitles. Interpreters (ASLI), National Registers of Communication 4.4 BSL films (or similar in country of Professionals working with Deaf origin) should be incorporated in

17 and Deafblind People (NRCPD) 7.3 If sign language interpreter and the Association of Verbatim suppliers are going to be contracted Speech-to-Text Reporters prior to and during the Games, (AVSTTR), or similar procurement staff should consult organisations in country of with the NRCPD and ASLI (or similar origin, to enhance the organisations in country of origin) to recruitment system for deaf ensure that the correct selection people prior to the start of any criteria and interview structure is in recruitment process. place for the procurement process.

7.4 Any future project plans should Recommendation 6: thoroughly take into account the Games planning, staff awareness required scale of sign language and secondments interpreter, subtitler and STTR Click here for BSL provision prior to and during the Click here for International Sign Games.

6.1 Any future projects should take into 7.5 Procurement staff should ensure account deaf people’s that the pre-assessment stage does communication requirements and not generate communication ensure that any costs are covered by barriers for deaf businesses and budgets. organisations working with deaf people, by making information 6.2 Deaf people and deaf-led available in BSL (or similar in organisations should be consulted at country of origin). early stages of the project to identify solutions to minimise future communication challenges that may Recommendation 8: affect the deaf community. Ticketing Click here for BSL 6.3 Deaf access issues must be shared Click here for International Sign with different Organising Committee departments to ensure that staff are 8.1 During the ticket application or fully aware of the impact their ticket purchase process for events projects may have on deaf people. of a similar scale to the London 2012 Games, consideration 6.4 Future Organising Committee should be given to simplify the members and staff should establish process for deaf people. appropriate work habits and attitudes that are inclusive for deaf 8.2 Members of staff responsible for people. the ticket process should work closely with deaf-led and deafblind Recommendation 7: organisations to ensure that the Procurement process is accessible for deaf Click here for BSL people. Click here for International Sign 8.3 Ticketing information should be made available in BSL (or similar in 7.1 Prior to the commencement of the country of origin) right at the procurement process, staff should beginning to enable deaf people to consult widely with deaf-led understand the process. businesses, subtitlers, STTRs and sign language interpreter suppliers to 8.4 Alternative ticket purchase ensure that the criteria for selection arrangements should be made during the process is fair. available for deafblind people should they request it. 7.2 The language used during the procurement process should be in plain language, for example, plain Recommendation 9: English (or similar in country of Accreditation process origin). Where possible, BSL films Click here for BSL with subtitles (or similar in country of Click here for International Sign origin) should be included to help ensure that deaf businesses 9.1 Future sport event organisers Includes electricity data for all competition and non-competition venues, supplier and overlay works. : understand what is required of them. should take into account the

Carbon Trust 2011 conversion factors – based on calorificCarbonvalue 2011 of Trust fuel type. (electrical)Assume kWh 3.72 consumed per litre of fuel – conversion factor from Pre-Games Sustainability Report. Includes fuel used contractors LOCOG by and suppliers overlay in works. and car fleetBus/coach for officials, athletes,press and staff – all buses and coaches dieselwere and estimated 80 per cent contractor bus and car fleet fuel use as diesel. Used car in fleet from commercial forecourts – estimated20 per cent petrol cars. Boats at Weymouth and Portland. Golf buggies and boats at Hyde Eton and Park Dorney, Weymouth and Portland. coversThis all competition and non-competition venues. data – data from landlords’Estimated agents accordingnot available to 2011 time in for reporting purposes. difficulty in booking sign language Notes 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. interpreters, STTRs and subtitlers at the last minute. 18 9.2 Future sport event organisers 11.2 An appropriate monitoring should ensure that sign language system for sign language interpreters, subtitlers and STTRs interpreters, subtitlers and STTRs are booked by providing a draft should be established to ensure timetable of the required their quality and welfare and communication provision to sign prevent them from working language interpreter, STTR and unsuitably long hours. Future sport subtitle suppliers well in advance event organisers should consult of the Games. with sign language interpreter suppliers, subtitlers, ASLI and 9.3 During the accreditation process AVSTTR (or similar organisations in sport event staff should ensure that country of origin) beforehand. there will be no issues with regard to sign language interpreters 11.3 Prior to ceremonies or similar gaining accreditation passes and events any sign language that they are given greater interpreting or subtitling are to be flexibility to work in most areas of provided with meeting or event the sports event. information, lyrics or speeches in order to help subtitlers, STTRs and Recommendation 10: interpreters fully prepare for their National Olympic and Paralympic deaf clients or deaf audience12,15. Committees, or similar committees 11.4 Future sport event organisers Click here for BSL should consider creating a pool of Click here for International Sign roaming sign language interpreters to respond to any ad hoc 10.1 Future sport event organisers situations that require sign should remind visiting National language communication. Olympic and Paralympic Committees (or similar committees) 11.5 Organisers must ensure that all of their deaf athletes’ interpreters working during sport communication requirements events and ceremonies are during media interviews and registered with the NRCPD6 or competition events. equivalent registration bodies that exist in the country where the 10.2 Future sport event organisers event is taking place. should consider being flexible in providing or covering costs of sign language interpreters should there be no sign language interpreters provided for deaf athletes by their respective National Olympic and Paralympic Committees (or similar committees). Recommendation 11: Sign language interpreters, sign language interpreter, subtitle and STTR suppliers Click here for BSL Click here for International Sign

11.1 Draft or fully complete a timetable of communication provision required that can be given to sign language interpreter, STTR and subtitle suppliers three months in advance of the Games.

19 Organisation profiles The following organisations have profession in England, Wales and supported this report. In alphabetical Northern Ireland. order, these organisations are: www.asli.org.uk

Action Deafness Click here for BSL

We offer a diverse range of services British Deaf Association to Deaf, hard of hearing, deafened, Click here for BSL deafblind and hearing people throughout the UK. Our organisation The mission of the British Deaf aims to improve quality of life by Assocation (BDA) is to ensure a promoting independence and world in which the language, culture, equality of opportunity for deaf, community, diversity and heritage of deafened, deafblind and Hard of Deaf people in the UK is respected Hearing (D/deaf) people. and fully protected, ensuring that Deaf people can participate and We aim to do this by: contribute as equal and valued citizens in wider society. This will be –– Promoting effective communication achieved through: and improving access to services –– Improving the quality of life by –– Increasing the status and empowering Deaf individuals participation of D/deaf people and groups from diverse backgrounds –– Enhancing freedom, equality –– Providing specialist support, and diversity learning and community services –– Protecting and promoting BSL The organisation is based in Leicester but we provide services across the www.bda.org.uk UK including Community Support Services, Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Services, Advocacy, Interpreting Services and much more.

www.actiondeafness.org.uk Communication ID Click here for BSL

We are an interpreting and training service based in north London. Established in January 2005, the Directorship team now consists of Ian Association of Sign Language Hodgetts, Andrew Green and Colette Interpreters (ASLI) Hogan. Click here for BSL We have a strong community ethos ASLI is the professional association and believe in supporting the Deaf and support network for British Sign community and the BSL interpreters Language (BSL) interpreters in that work with them. As a result of England, Wales and Northern this, we established CommunityID in Ireland. Membership includes those 2009 to provide activities and who work as interpreters and Deaf services beneficial to the Deaf and and hearing people who support Interpreting communities on a our aims. non-profit basis.

The aims of the Association are to We have successfully been funded encourage good practice in sign by the Big Lottery Fund to run a language interpreting and to five-year ‘Community Cohesion’ represent the interests and views of project. BSL interpreters and the interpreting www.communicationid.co.uk

20 projects such as Inspiration 32 for the 2012 Games.

Over 70 per cent of deafPLUS staff are sign language users or hard of hearing themselves which enables us to empathise with our user groups. Our deaf staff are therefore excellent role models for service users. Deaf Parenting UK Click here for BSL www.deafplus.org

Deaf Parenting UK is the first ever charity and small unique national organisation run by Deaf parents for Deaf parents, representing the needs of Deaf parents in the UK, of whom 90 per cent of them are likely to have hearing children. Inclusion London The focus of Deaf Parenting UK’s Click here for BSL work is to: Inclusion London is a pan-London –– Empower and support Deaf disability equality organisation. Parents and enable them to be confident We provide policy, campaigning and capacity-building support for Deaf –– Highlight and address gaps in and disabled people’s organisations services in the UK (DDPOs) in London. Inclusion London promotes equality for London’s Deaf –– Work with various organisations and disabled people. Our work is within health, social services, rooted in the Social Model of Deaf and mainstream parenting Disability and the Cultural Model of organisations to improve access Deafness. to information and services for Deaf Parents Our approach to work is informed by www.deafparent.org.uk the knowledge that together Deaf and disabled people are stronger. We are determined to ensure that our voices, raised in unison, will be heard. We acknowledge the hard and varied work of the broad range of Deaf and disabled people’s organisations today and the rich and proud history of the movement that has gone before.

deafPLUS www.inclusionlondon.co.uk Click here for BSL

deafPLUS has delivered information and advice to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for over 40 years through centres in Bath, Birmingham, London, Hampshire, Somerset and Surrey.

In 2011-2012 the charity assisted deaf, hard of hearing and visually impaired service users with over 17,000 matters from general information to assistance with tribunals, through advocacy, employment services and specialist

21 International Committee of Sport for National Deaf Children’s Society the Deaf (ICSD) Click here for BSL Click here for BSL The National Deaf Children’s Society The overall mission of the ICSD is to is here to create a world without cherish and value the spirit of barriers for the 45,000 deaf children Deaflympics, where Deaf athletes and young people in the UK. We strive to reach the pinnacle of also support the many children who competition by embracing the motto experience temporary deafness, due of ‘Per ludos aequalitas’ (‘Equality to conditions such as glue ear. Deaf through sports’), and adhering to the children can do anything other ideals of the Olympic Games. children can do if they get the right support from the start – at home, in The objectives of the ICSD are: school and in their wider community. –– To supervise the organisation of www.ndcs.org.uk successful Summer and Winter Deaflympics

–– To contribute to and promote the development of sport opportunities and competitions, from grass-roots to elite level, for Deaf athletes

–– To support and encourage National Registers of Communication educational, cultural and Professionals Working With Deaf and scientific research activities that Deafblind People (NRCPD) contribute to the development Click here for BSL and promotion of the Deaflympics NRCPD is the UK regulator of communication professionals who –– To fully enforce a drug-free work with deaf and deafblind sport environment for all Deaf people. Our job is to safeguard the athletes in conjunction with the wellbeing and interests of people World Anti-Doping Agency who rely on those professionals. We (WADA) do that by checking that every –– To promote the rights of Deaf communication professional is athletes to take part in sport properly trained to do their job safely without discrimination on the and consistently. We set standards of basis of political, religious, professional practice and make sure economic, disability, gender or only professionals who meet those race reasons standards can carry an NRCPD photo ID card. We promote the www.deaflympics.com importance of registration and make sure it is seen to add value to the vision of a society in which deaf people can be full and active citizens. We want deaf and deafblind individuals and the general

22 public to be able to locate a communication professional that best suits their needs at any time. To allow this to happen we publish free to use online registers which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Remark! www.nrcpd.org.uk Click here for BSL

Remark! are the largest Deaf-run company in the UK specialising in all aspects of television/video production, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting, training and translation – including subtitling, in-vision and audio description, and Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD) multimedia development. Click here for BSL We really are a diverse and busy bunch. We boast a broad variety of RAD works mainly with Deaf people: skills – combining innovative ideas those who have been Deaf since and technology – striving to give the birth or before acquiring language, very best service, at affordable prices. and for whom British Sign Language (BSL) is their preferred or only Through our services we continuously language. Our services include: aim to support and enhance the lives of Deaf, hard of hearing and blind –– Advocacy: including our specialist individuals. To help us achieve our London BMER advocacy team goal we re-invest profits into our charity, Remark! Community. The –– Children, Youth and Families charity was created to offer support services via a broad range of events and initiatives, and the sponsorship of –– Communication services: BSL individuals and clubs. interpreters, Deaf interpreters, Deafblind communication support, www.remark.uk.com Lipspeakers, Speech-to-text reporters

–– Deaf Culture and Community: support of Deaf Clubs and Deaf culture

–– Deaf Law Centre: legal and money advice in BSL, face-to-face and via

webcam

–– Employment: improving Sense employability, and access to Click here for BSL employment Sense is a national charity that –– Information, Advice and supports and campaigns for children Guidance: on benefits, debt, and adults who are deafblind. We housing, etc provide tailored support, advice and information as well as specialist –– Social Care: for Deaf people with services to all deafblind people, their additional needs, and their carers families, carers and the professionals www.royaldeaf.org.uk who work with them. We also support people who have a single-sensory impairment with additional needs.

www.sense.org.uk

23 We are accountable to Parliament through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

www.sportengland.org

Signature Click here for BSL

Signature is a registered charity that promotes excellence in sportscotland communication with deaf and Click here for BSL deafblind people. Formally established as the Council for sportscotland is the national agency Advancement of Communication with for sport. We are the lead agency Deaf People (CACPD) in 1982, our for the development of sport in vision is one of a society in which Scotland. deaf people have full access. Our primary work is as a recognised We passionately believe in the awarding body offering nationally power of sport and the unique accredited qualifications that cover contribution it makes to Scotland’s the whole range of languages and economy, health and identity. We communication methods used by invest our expertise, our time and deaf and deafblind people. We have public funding in developing a developed qualifications and world-class sporting system at all achieved some major public policy levels. shifts leading to better service access for deaf and deafblind people. We work with partners to develop this sporting system, investing in and www.signature.org.uk joining up the people, places, partnerships and planning that make sport happen.

Ultimately, we see a Scotland where sport is a way of life. In everything we do we act in the best interests of Sport England Scottish sport – putting sport first. Click here for BSL www.sportscotland.org.uk Sport England is focused on helping people and communities across the country to create a sporting habit for life.

We will invest over £1 billion of National Lottery and Exchequer Sport Wales funding between 2012 and 2017 in Click here for BSL organisations and projects that will: From grassroots sport to the –– Help more people have a sporting Millennium Stadium, at Sport Wales habit for life we want to unite a proud sporting –– Create more opportunities for nation. As the national organisation young people to play sport responsible for increasing participation and improving elite –– Nurture and develop talent sport in Wales, we have a clear vision for sport in Wales. We work –– Provide the right facilities in the with our partners to achieve our right places shared aspirations of getting every child hooked on sport for life and –– Support local authorities and Wales being a nation of champions. unlock local funding We want to develop sustainable –– Ensure real opportunities for sporting communities where the communities participant is at the heart.

24 We are a Welsh Government Sponsored Public Body and have responsibility for distributing funds from the National Lottery.

www.sportwales.org.uk

UK Deaf Sport Click here for BSL

UK Deaf Sport (UKDS) aims to encourage Deaf people to participate, to enjoy and to excel at STAGETEXT sport. Click here for BSL UK Deaf Sport was established in STAGETEXT delivers and promotes June 2003 and has been a member the use of captioning and speech-to- of the International Committee of text transcription for arts and cultural Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) since events like theatre performances and March 2006. Further, UKDS was talks in museums and galleries. The granted membership of the European service gives access to the events for Deaf Sports Organisation (EDSO) in deaf, deafened and hard of hearing May 2006. people by giving them a way of viewing the text of what’s being said UKDS is currently fully engaged with or sung. Sport England’s Inclusive Sport programme and is committed to www.stagetext.org working with National Governing Bodies to establish pathways for Deaf people to take part in sport.

www.ukdeafsport.org.uk

Total Communication Click here for BSL

Total Communication are a team of over 20 permanent staff with unrivalled experience, knowledge and commitment. We provide exemplary training courses in Deaf, Disability and Diversity Awareness. Our interpreting team provide an outstanding service to our local deaf community, both in the workplace and in education. We are proud to include a team of Deafblind communicator guides in our service.

www.totalcommteam.com

25 Glossary British Sign Language (BSL) is the The term ‘hard of hearing’ is used to language of the British Deaf describe someone who has some Click here for BSL community. There are many different form of partial hearing loss. Most sign languages in the world, people with age-related hearing loss unrelated to the spoken languages of are hard of hearing. The majority of the surrounding hearing communities. hard of hearing people rely on BSL was recognised by the British hearing aids and lipreading and Government in 2003 as a language communicate using speech, but each in its own right. Readers interested in person has their own communication understanding more about BSL preferences. should read Rachel Sutton-Spence’s article at www.bbc.co.uk/voices/ In-vision signing is a service that multilingual/bsl_today.shtml involves a sign language interpreter superimposed onto a film or CompeteFor is a free service often television screen to render it used by private and public sector accessible for sign language users. buying organisations to look for the The in-vision image normally appears best service available. They provide at the bottom-right corner. contractual opportunities for business and organisations to compete International Sign (IS) is a form of against one another to win contracts communication used when Deaf and provide services. people who know different sign languages meet. The term ‘deaf’ is a general term used to encompass all levels of Live Sites were sites throughout the hearing loss. UK that consisted of big screens used to broadcast sporting action, pre- The term ‘Deaf’ with a capital ‘D’ recorded films and ceremonies from refers to those who consider the London 2012 Games, together themselves members of a linguistic with space for cultural activities. and cultural minority, who use sign language, experience life from a London 2012 Games is the term used Deaf perspective, seek out other to describe both the Olympic Games Deaf people with whom to spend and Paralympic Games held in their time and do not consider London during 2012. themselves to be inherently disabled. Prelingually deaf means being born The term ‘deafened’ is used to deaf or losing hearing before describe a person who has become acquiring language. profoundly deaf in adulthood. Wearing hearing aids does not Registered Sign Language Interpreter always benefit a deafened person, (RSLI) is an interpreter registered with who may be reliant on lipreading for the National Registers of communication. Deafened people Communication Professionals may associate more with the hearing working with Deaf and Deafblind community than the Deaf community. People (NRCPD). S/he is highly skilled in BSL or another sign The term ‘deafblind’ is used to language and a second language describe someone who has a which can be English or a different combination of hearing and sight sign language. RSLIs are required to loss. Deafblindness can affect people attain interpreting qualifications and of all ages. criteria to demonstrate they have achieved National Occupational Games Makers were the 70,000 Standards in Interpreting (CILT). RSLIs selected individuals who gave up are signed up to a professional code their time to volunteer during the of conduct. London 2012 Games. They filled various volunteering roles, including providing customer service assistance, coordinating the media at competition venues and ensuring that the sand was of the right texture and height for the Beach Volleyball competition.

26 Speech-to-Text Reporters (STTRs) are Text Relay is a British telephone professionals who supply live service that allows deaf and hearing subtitles (unlike subtitlers who have to people to communicate with each prepare subtitles in advance) during other via telephone (Textphone). A live events such as conferences, Text Relay operator reads the text meetings and major events. STTRs sent by the deaf users of the use a special keyboard to type Textphone to the hearing sounds phonetically; special software conversational participant, and types converts this to English text in order what the hearing participant says so to enable deaf people to read it. that the deaf participant can read it on the Textphone. Subtitles (captions) are texts in films and television that provide a written version of speech (and sometimes environmental sounds), synchronised as closely as possible to make the environment or event accessible to deaf people.

Subtitlers are people responsible for preparing subtitles in advance of an event or films to ensure that subtitles are delivered at the same time. The prepared subtitles include both speech and environmental sounds in order to ensure that deaf people enjoy the same experience as everyone else.

Textphone (also called a Minicom) allows deaf people to have a real conversation with other Textphone users via the telephone line, or with a hearing person via a Text Relay service. This equipment includes a keyboard and screen, and is plugged into the phone socket.

27 Appendix 1: Sport event Year Major sports events Rugby League World Cup 2013 in the UK BMX Supercross World Series 2013 European Athletics Team Championships 2013 World Youth Netball Championships 2013 World Triathlon Championship Series Final 2013 Rowing World Cup Series 2013 Men’s World Open Squash Championships 2013 ICC Champions Trophy (Cricket) 2013 Commonwealth Games 2014 Ryder Cup (Golf) 2014 Rugby Football World Cup 2015 World Rowing Series (Option) 2015 World Canoe Slalom Championships 2015 European Eventing Championships 2015 World Fencing Championships 2015 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2015 European Hockey Championships 2015 IPC Swimming European Championships (50m) 2015 World Athletics Championships 2017 Cricket World Cup 2019

There will be further bidding opportunities to host a number of European and international sport events such as the European Swimming Championships (2016), the UCI Track Cycling World Championships (2016) and the IOC Youth Olympic Games (2018) in the UK.

This report can be used to help other international sport event organisations ensure that deaf people have access to any of their events.

28 References 1. Department for Culture Media and 8. Office for Disability Issues. Sport. London 2012: a legacy for Subtitling: Making TV and film disabled people. Setting new media accessible for people with standards, changing perceptions. hearing impairments. http://odi. www.culture.gov.uk/images/ dwp.gov.uk/inclusive- publications/GOE_London_2012_ communications/alternative- Disability_Legacy.pdf (accessed formats/subtitling.php (accessed 17 October 2012). 31 October 2012).

2. Equality and Human Rights 9. Ofcom. Guidance on Standards Commission. Equality Act 2010 for Subtitling. http://www.ofcom. Code of Practice: Services, public org.uk/static/archive/itc/itc_ functions and associations: publications/codes_guidance/ Statutory Code of Practice. http:// standards_for_subtitling/ www.equalityhumanrights.com/ subtitling_1.asp.html (accessed 31 uploaded_files/EqualityAct/ October 2012). servicescode.pdf (accessed 17 October 2012). 10. National Deaf Children’s Society. In their own words: Young deaf 3. Action on Hearing Loss. Hearing people’s access to television. Matters. http://www. http://www.ndcs.org.uk/ actiononhearingloss.org.uk/ document.rm?id=3192 (accessed supporting-you/policy-research- 31 October 2012). and-influencing/research/hearing- matters.aspx (accessed 16 11.Ofcom. Guidelines on the October 2012). provision of television access services. http://stakeholders. 4. Centre for Disability Research. ofcom.org.uk/broadcasting/ Estimating the number of people guidance/other-guidance/tv_ with co-occuring vision and access_serv/guidelines/ (accessed hearing impairments in the UK. 16 October 2012). http://www.sense.org.uk/sites/ default/files/CEDR_Research_Full_ 12. Morgan, S. Sign Language with Report_PDF.pdf (accessed 31 People who are Deaf-Blind: October 2012). Suggestions for Tactile and Visual Modifications. http://www. 5. Office for Disability Issues. 2012 deafblind.com/slmorgan.html Legacy for disabled people: (accessed 16 October 2012). Inclusive and accessible business: Improving messages to SMEs: The 13. Association of Sign Language case for the disabled customer. Interpreters. How to work with a http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/ BSL/English interpreter. http:// biscore/business-sectors/docs/0- www.asli.org.uk/how-to-work-with- 9/10-1126-2012-legacy-for- a-bsl-english-interpreter-p25.aspx disabled-people-case-for-the- (accessed 16 October 2012). disabled-customer (accessed 17 14. Woodcock, K. and Fischer, S.L. October 2012). Occupational health and safety 6. National Registers of for sign language interpreters. Communication Professionals (Workplace Safety and Insurance working with Deaf and Deafblind Board Research Advisory Council, People. Why should I register? #0523) Toronto, ON: Ryerson http://www.nrcpd.org.uk/page. University. 2008. http://www. php?content=43 (accessed 16 ryerson.ca/woodcock/pdfs/ October 2012). OHSforSLI.pdf (accessed 31 October 2012). 7. Greater London Authority Group Responsible Procurement. 15. Association of Verbatim Speech- Summary of responses to GLA to-Text Reporters. Important Group supplier survey: 2009. information. http://www.avsttr.org. http://www.london.gov.uk/rp/ uk (accessed 16 November 2012). docs/survey-results.pdf (accessed 18 October 2012).

29 Acknowledgements Supporters of the report Feedback contributors –– Action Deafness –– Deaf Games-time spectators, Games Makers and –– DeafPLUS Torchbearers

–– Total Communication –– Deaf performers from Opening –– Remark! and Closing Ceremonies

–– British Deaf Association (BDA) –– LOCOG Deaf Community Outreach Team –– STAGETEXT –– Registered Sign Language –– UK Deaf Sport (UKDS) Interpreters (RSLI)

–– Inclusion London –– Sign language interpreter suppliers –– Deaf Parenting UK Report translation –– Sport England –– Louis Neethling, Mutt and Jeff Pictures Ltd –– Sport Wales –– Ramon Woolfe, BSL and IS –– Sport Scotland translator –– Association of Sign Language Peer reviewers Interpreters (ASLI) –– Professor Bencie Woll, Deafness –– Signature Cognition and Language Research Centre, University –– National Registers of College London Communication Professionals working with Deaf and –– Liana Lloyd RSLI, Member of Deafblind People (NRCPD) ASLI

–– Communication ID –– Desmond Masterson BA (Hons), RAD –– Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD) –– Jennifer Smith RSLI, Member of ASLI –– Sense –– Karen Newby RSLI, Member of –– National Deaf Children’s ASLI Society (NDCS) –– Dr Paddy Ladd, Centre for Deaf –– International Committee of Studies, University of Bristol Sport for the Deaf (ICSD)

Scoping and project management of the LOCOG Sustainability Learning Legacy Programme was provided by Action Sustainability CIC. Funded equally by Action Sustainability CIC and Defra.

This document and the official Emblems of the London 2012 Games are © London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Limited 2007–2012. All rights reserved.

For more information visit: learninglegacy.independent.gov.uk Published December 2012 30 LOC2012/SUS/RS/0003