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Table 3 Checklist of recommendations for the inclusion of people with deafblindness in a discussion group
| Considerations | Recommendations | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Room | Large, quiet space with a flexible layout (i.e. not fixed tables and seating) and can accommodate more people than anticipated and with access to an outside area | |
| Lighting | Room provides control over levels of light, both natural (e.g. windows have blinds) and artificial (e.g. dimmer switch or the ability turn off groups of lights around the room) sources | |
| Agenda | Agenda is broken down into 20 to 30-min sessions with 10 to 20-min breaks in between | |
| Documents | Printed materials are in large print (18 point and above), sans-serif fonts (e.g. Arial) and high contrast (e.g. black text on a yellow background) or in braille formats as required | |
| Documents have been sent out in advance; either printed or in a screen reader / text-to-speech friendly format (e.g. not PDF) | ||
| Interpreting/lipspeaking | Attendees have confirmed if they will be providing their own interpreters; if so, attendee/interpreters have confirmed any requirements for interpretation | |
| If you are required to provide interpreters: | ||
| Interpreting needs of attendees have been confirmed (e.g. British Sign Language, hands-on signing, lipspeaking etc.) | ||
| At least two interpreters (to allow interpreters to alternate and to have a break) have been identified, and both are NRCPD registered | ||
| Interpreters have experience working with individuals who are deafblind | ||
| Interpreters have experience working with scientific content (e.g. health, biomedical research etc.) | ||
| Relevant materials relating to the content of the meeting, have been sent in advance to interpreters | ||
| Audio communication tools | Room is fitted with an audio induction loop | |
| Speech to text (e.g. captioner, palantypist) is available for those who cannot use the available sign language options | ||
| There is sufficient easy access to power points for people’s accessibility aids (e.g. smartphones, tablets, e-readers, laptops etc.) | ||
| Emotional wellbeing | Relevant information on/access to patient organisations, peer-to-peer support; counselling is available | |
| Skilled/trained and sensitive facilitator | ||
