Setting Up the Room Work with the person to set up the room most effectively. Certain seating arrangements will impact on the person's ability to participate in the session. People who are hard of hearing rely on seeing the lips of people who are speaking to help them follow what is being said. Set up the table so that the person can see everyone's face, and so that others' backs are not to the source of light. Consider using a round table.
Some access plans depend on the cooperation of other participants at the session.
The person with a disability will appreciate the mediator's explaining everyone's role, as long as it is done in a neutral, appropriate manner. The mediator should let participants know that they should speak to each other and not to the sign language interpreter, and that they must speak one at a time so that the interpreter can do her job effectively. Phrased in this way, the deaf person is not singled out. It is not always necessary to be direct. Many process modifications can be introduced as ground rules, or incorporated into your opening without calling any attention to disability access.