Game Plan: Voices Off Takeover for Your Hospitality Business
Purpose:
The Voices Off Takeover event serves a dual purpose:
1. To encourage folks to explore alternative modes of communication.
2. To provide a safe and inclusive space for ASL users in a public setting.
Planning and Coordination:
– Utilize Trello or Instagram for planning and coordinating with the contracted business.
– The designated Trello board will manage all comments, requests, and feedback.
Marketing:
– Visually Speaking will design a social media graphic and share it across all advertising channels.
– Marketing efforts will commence at least 3 weeks before the first event.
– The venue is encouraged to share the event on their social media platforms and provide advance notice for their clientele.
Event Setup:
– Duration: 2 or 3 hours. The days and times are negotiable.
– Repetitive weekly events are ideal for growth potential.
– The venue will continue normal operations, with signage at the entrance and register indicating that the space is designated as “Voices Off” from <insert time> to <end time> PM.
– An introduction sheet titled “Why Voices Off?” will be available for further explanation.
– Tables should be arranged to encourage large group seating, preferably by assembling smaller tables together for better visibility.
– Large sheets of paper and pens can be provided on tables for written conversations.
– Small notes on the tables will read “For the ultimate immersion experience, voices off please from <insert time> to <end time> PM”
– Feedback form and QR code are available for patrons
What to Expect:
- Participants can anticipate a dynamic environment with hands flying as ASL is a mobile language, and people may move around freely during conversations.
- There may be DeafBlind patrons – you may notice their communication style is Protactile.
- Regular clientele may be confused, this is expected when engaging in the unknown. Progress starts here. 🙂
Once we have a date and time confirmed, you will receive contract and a Trello board invitation. Let the fun begin!
Thank you
Why a Voices Off Space?
A “Voices Off” event is a safe space where participants communicate without spoken language, using methods like sign language or written notes. It’s designed to respect and accommodate the needs of the ASL community, fostering inclusivity and awareness of different communication styles. Attendees can connect and engage in a welcoming space where everyone’s communication preferences are valued and respected.
Donations may be allocated to support Certified Deaf Interpreters, DeafBlind interpreters and support, ASL interpreters from marginalized communities, as well as fund requests for event access for Black Lives Matter (BLM) and various marginalized community events.