Tips for Accessible Digital Translation and Interpreting

Discover how to make your translation and interpreting services more inclusive for clients with disabilities, creating new opportunities and impact.

In your role as a translator or interpreter, you proudly help the world communicate by building linguistic bridges. Would you be surprised if I told you that most of us—unintentionally—introduce barriers in that building process? These barriers prevent a large segment of your clients from understanding, engaging, and consuming your work. I’m referring to individuals with disabilities and the barriers in the digital space.

You may be thinking, “I don’t know anyone with disabilities!” According to the World Health Organization, 16% of the world’s population, or one in six global citizens, has a condition that limits mobility, communication, and work skills. 27% of Americans are affected by at least one disability that causes them to struggle in the digital world. These individuals are your clients and they would like to consume the content you are creating. Let’s learn simple techniques that will make your translation and interpreting accessible to everyone.

By attending this webinar, you will:

1. Understand various types of disabilities and how they impact a person’s ability to navigate and operate in the digital space.
2. Gain a high-level understanding of the rules governing digital accessibility and how they apply to the work that translators and interpreters do.
3. Come away with techniques, tips, and tools you can use in your daily work to make it accessible to all your clients, including those with disabilities.

About the Presenter

Gosia Wheeler is a Polish into English translator specializing in technology and digital accessibility translation. In addition to being an ATA member, she is also a member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals and a certified accessible documents specialist. Her passion for inclusion and accessible communication in all languages led to her authoring articles for The ATA Compass, The ATA Chronicle, and MultiLingual Magazine.