In a digital-first world where events increasingly blur the lines between virtual and in-person, accessibility isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s essential. Yet, too many event planners still treat accessibility components like language access as an afterthought rather than a foundation.

In our recent webinar, Rethinking Accessibility in Live Events, co-hosted with Interprefy, we shared how to create more inclusive and multilingual experiences for all audiences.

Accessibility Can’t Be an Afterthought

Accessibility isn’t just about compliance. It’s about respect. It’s about ensuring that every participant—whether attending on-site, online, or asynchronously—has an equitable opportunity to engage.

If you’re not designing for accessibility from the beginning, you’re not designing for your whole audience.

Events are often built for the majority and then retrofitted for “edge cases.” But this approach leaves many behind—people who are visually impaired, Deaf or hard of hearing, neurodivergent, speak other languages, or are navigating chronic health issues. Building truly inclusive events starts with anticipating a broad range of accommodations from the outset—including linguistic and cultural access.

What Real-World Inclusive Design Looks Like

Start Accessibility Conversations Early

• Include accessibility and multilingual planning during initial meetings—not during the tech run-through a week or two before. 
• Budget for captioning, sign language interpretation, multilingual interpretation, and alternative formats from the beginning. 

Go Beyond Captions

• Live captions are essential—but they’re not enough. 
• Provide transcripts post-event in multiple languages. Add audio descriptions or visual contrast adjustments for presentations. 
• Use plain, inclusive language in slides and spoken content. 
• Offer ASL and/or local sign language interpretation and provide real-time translation or multilingual interpretation depending on the target audience. 

Design for Multiple Modes of Engagement 

• Not everyone can or wants to join live. Consider recording sessions, providing edited recaps in different languages, or offering participation via chat. 
• Use platforms that allow keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, adjustable playback, and multilingual content switching. 

Think Human, Not Just Technical 

• Speak clearly and at a measured pace—especially when using interpreters. 

• Brief your speakers and moderators on accessible and multilingual-friendly presentation practices. 

• Consider neurodiversity—allow breaks, reduce sensory overload, and avoid chaotic transitions or flashing visuals. 

Accessibility Is a Mindset 

Accessibility and language access shouldn’t live in one person’s job description. They’re shared responsibilities—from event planners to designers to tech leads and presenters. The more your team internalizes inclusive practices, the more seamless and thoughtful your events become. 
 
“Accessibility doesn’t hinder creativity—it fuels it. Language access isn’t a barrier—it’s a bridge,” comments Viviana Bernabe, Head of Accessibility & Interpreting Services, Welocalize. “Designing for broader audiences often uncovers better experiences for everyone.” 

What’s Next? 

If you’re new to accessible and multilingual event design, start small—but start early. Build a checklist. Allocate budget. Ask questions. Partner with disability advocates and multilingual service providers like Welocalize. Use inclusive platforms. Then, test, learn, and improve. 
 
Want to dive deeper? Watch the full webinar replay here or contact us to continue the conversation.