Simultaneous Language Simplification from the Perspective of People with IDD: Overcoming Cognitive Accessibility Barriers and Token Participation

Abstract

Simultaneous language simplification refers to real time translation into plain language. Our Goal in this research was to understand the effect of Simultaneous Language Simplification (SLS) on conference experience, from perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities. Understanding conference participation and the effects of SLS will enable removing barriers and eradicating the phenomena of tokenism, to progress towards full inclusion in conferences and other social, academic and communal events for people with cognitive disabilities. This will also contribute to the burgeoning field of universal design for services and community functions to include people with all abilities. SLS was found to enable conference participants with intellectual disabilities to fully experience professional conferences by enabling real-time understanding of what is going on when it is going on. Thus SLS is a very promising start for developing meaningful participation for people with all abilities.

Keywords: simultaneous simplification, cognitive disabilities, intellectual disabilities, full participation

JEL Classification: 100