Listen up! Being deaf in the world of meetings & events.

Jade Spencer, Director of Operations at BCD Meetings & Events and inclusivity advocate, authored an article for M&T Magazine, on the importance of inclusivity in the workplace and events.

Despite industry advancements, hearing loss often remains an overlooked aspect of accessibility. Spencer highlights the daily challenges faced by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, such as difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments and the inadequacy of captioning during virtual meetings.

She emphasizes that inclusion must be an integral part of all processes, from internal meetings to live events. Practical steps for improvement include ensuring captions are available, promoting clear communication, utilizing visuals to enhance understanding, and creating a culture where individuals feel safe to express their needs.

Spencer concludes that true inclusion recognizes the diverse experiences of deafness and advocates for ongoing conversations about accessibility. By implementing small changes, organizations can make significant strides toward fostering an inclusive environment for everyone.

Jade Spencer recently ran a six-week Introduction to British Sign Language course for UK colleagues at BCD Travel and BCD Meetings & Events. The course was hugely oversubscribed, and Jade is now working with senior leaders to explore ways to expand the program and raise greater awareness around deafness and inclusion.