Are you hosting remote meetings? King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) would like to share some advice that will make your meetings more accessible.
Many wastewater utility workers are telecommuting and holding virtual meetings for the public. This technology can provide real benefits for people living with disabilities.
Not too long ago, a pandemic might mean intense social isolation for some. Today, technology lets us stay connected in real time, if not in person.
Remote interactions are a lifeline in this challenging time. Telework, remote visits with family, virtual tours, and online community engagement connect us with others while protecting our health.
This same technology provides real benefits for people living with disabilities. Suddenly, transportation is not a barrier to attending a meeting or social event. Adaptive technologies help people with sensory impairments hear and see others.
Even if people with disabilities can get to our meetings, as hosts we need to consider everything they might need to participate. Odd noises, distractions, and technical glitches may make great comedy show skits – and high energy webinars with lots of chat and dazzling visuals may seem like a great goal for engaging the audience. But online quirks and flashy presentations can make remote meetings inaccessible and less engaging for some audience members.
This is a great time to boost accessibility in your communications! On July 26, 2020, the United States celebrates the 30th anniversary of the signing of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law. After 30 years, technology is helping people with disabilities to participate in our projects and programs, to work, and to play.
On June 26, the United States celebrates the 30th anniversary of the signing of Americans with Disabilities Act into law.
King County WTD invites you to watch the video below and meet some experts who can help you make your remote meetings more accessible for everyone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt1IPJUiVlE&feature=youtu.be
WTD welcomes people of all abilities
King County’s True North initiative captures the values that inform our community outreach at our utility. We work hard to make King County a welcoming place where every person can thrive. That includes people living with disabilities, about 24% of our population.
King County’s Coal Creek project will require closure of a popular trailhead for up to three years. Before reopening the trailhead, King County’s contractor will restore the affected area to current ADA standards including accessible signage and seating. We are working with the City of Bellevue to create accessible online guides for people of all abilities to plan their visit and enjoy the restored area.
Throughout design, the Coal Creek project team has improved accessibility at our community meetings and in our communications. We will continue to share what we learn throughout the project.
A qualified American Sign Language Interpreter can help D/deaf people access your information and participate.
Learn more:
Celebrate at: https://adata.org/ada-anniversary
and hashtag: #ADA30
King County’s True North Initiative: https://kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/constantine/initiatives/true-north.aspx
Coal Creek Sewer Upgrade Project:
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/dnrp/wtd/capital-projects/active/coal-creek-sewer-upgrade.aspx