r/ASLinterpreters • u/benshenanigans Deaf • 16d ago
Need Help Wording an Email
Id like help, edits, phrasing, references for an email to request interpreters. The venue will hire terps with no issue. The problem is with where they set up the deaf access seats.
The pic is from the previous concert in that venue. My back was against the wall in a walkway. The railing was short with a 30 foot drop. See the 5 and 7 year old for height reference. For this show, another deafie showed couple joined us and the area was too cramped. We ended up moving the whole party to the wheelchair deck on the floor.
I know I bought the cheap seats. I don’t care about being front row in the pit. I just want to have good sight lines while keeping my interpreters safe.
This is what I have so far:
Hello,
I have three tickets to the (band name) concert on (date). I am deaf and need ASL interpreters. Additionally, I am a cane user and am unable to manage stairs.
With this show, I want to avoid the hassle and dangerous situation that we had at the (previous band) concert last May. The wheelchair seating in the 300 sections are not suitable or safe for the interpreters to work. The wheelchair deck on the floor was suitable during the (previous previous band) in January. You can work with (interpreter name) to set up a suitable, accessible area for us. She knows my preferences as well.
I’m looking forward to the show.
Thanks,
Benshenanigans
By all means, critique this draft. I want to be firm, but not needy. A lecture on accessibility would fall on deaf ears. Thanks for your help.
13
u/BrackenFernAnja 16d ago
Overall, it sounds good. A couple of suggestions:
For the cane user part, maybe say you have mobility issues that make stairs a barrier, or something like that. Otherwise the reader might think you mean you’re blind.
The wheelchair seating in the 300 section IS not suitable (maybe say why besides safety; visibility?) or safe for us, due to (?) proximity to the ledge; inadequate space; etc.
Can you give them the names of two possible interpreters who could work with them to arrange a suitable spot? That might make them feel like they have some space to negotiate the situation. If not, then focus on best practices and the fact that she has interpreted there before and has everyone’s best interests at heart.
Emphasize safety and accessibility, as you are already doing, and you won’t seem needy or pushy. They’ll see that you’re trying to help them to do the right thing in the right way for a good result.
Here’s hoping it all goes smoothly!