A variety of products and services are available to help facilitate communication and ensure individual needs are accommodated in meetings and conferences. Participants with the same disability may require different accommodations. The accommodations requested are generally based on the individuals' experiences and knowledge of the products and services. For example:

• Some individuals who are blind or low vision may request materials in Braille, while others may request diskettes and electronic versions of the materials.
• Some persons who are hard of hearing may request an assistive listening system, while others may request the services of a note-taker or real time captioning.
• Persons with learning disabilities may have different needs. For example, some persons with learning disabilities may have difficulty learning a second language, and may therefore have difficulty participating in a bilingual event. An appropriate accommodation may be simultaneous interpretation to ensure full participation and inclusion
• Persons with developmental disabilities might require documents in plain language

Computer Disks or CD ROM

These are used with computer synthetic voice technology (screen reading software) that enables people who are blind, have low vision or who have learning disabilities to hear a spoken verbatim translation of what others see on the monitor. There is a growing demand for computer disks and CD ROM. The disks should be labeled in large print and Braille.

Large Print

An alternative format for people who have low vision that can be created in-house by using word processing software with a font size that is 14 points or larger or can be out sourced to a vendor.

Braille Translation

An alternative format for people who are blind or Deaf-Blind produced using Braille transcription software.

Descriptive Video Services

Descriptive Video Service (DVS) provides descriptive narration of key visual elements – the action, characters, locations, costumes, and sets – without interfering with dialog or sound effects, making television programs, feature films, home videos and other visual media accessible to people who are blind or have low vision

Sign Language Interpreters

An Interpreter's service is necessary whenever clear communication is required between deaf and (non-signing) hearing people. It is recommended that an interpreter be available at booths at events, meetings or presentations attended by people with disabilities who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Computerized Note-takers (also known as Print Interpreters)

Computerized note-taking is a support service requested by deaf and hard of hearing consumers who prefer the print mode for their communication and participation needs. A computerized note-taker, sometimes called a print interpreter, summarizes what is spoken while still maintaining accuracy and the spirit and intent of the speaker. Note-takers use a notebook or laptop computer with a standard keyboard and an overhead screen and/or TV. Computerized note-taking is not a verbatim print representation of the spoken material.

Real-Time Note-takers/Captionists

Real-time captioning is a support service requested by deaf and hard of hearing consumers who prefer the print mode for their communication and participation needs. A real-time (verbatim) captioner uses a court reporting steno machine, coded to type verbatim text with minimal keystrokes as he/she is listening.