Creativity, diversity and inclusion at live events through the lens of respeaking

The Respeaking at Live Events research project has explored how live subtitles created through speech recognition can be introduced at unscripted and partially scripted events in the UK to increase the amount of access currently provided in this sector. A combination of focus group work and action research, conducted with strong input from users and service providers, was used to test this provision and determine whether professional television respeakers could transfer their skills to this new setting and provide high quality access. This presentation will share the core findings of the study, with a focus on what makes this access provision effective.

Since live events are dynamic and diverse, the way in which access is provided depends on the nature of the individual event. Whilst there is a natural flow that hosting venues, presenters and respeakers can prepare for, there is much that is unpredictable - in particular, the interaction and engagement that each audience member brings on the day. A model for participatory engagement at live events, which is in line with the proactive approach to access (Greco, 2018) and similar to that seen in accessible filmmaking (Romero-Fresco, 2019), and which allows and encourages everyone present to collaborate in shaping and benefitting from the access provided, will also be presented.