Planning an event that truly welcomes everyone? These five specialists are redefining accessibility and inclusion—here’s who you should know.
The Shift Toward Inclusive Events
Event planning has evolved beyond logistics and décor. Today, attendees expect experiences that are accessible to all, regardless of ability. This means integrating ASL interpreting, captioning, sensory-friendly design, and thoughtful communication from the start. The businesses below are leading that charge, each bringing a unique approach to making events more inclusive.
How We Evaluated These Experts
We looked at each business’s service scope, focus on accessibility, community engagement, and how they cater to local needs. We also considered their ability to educate and inspire, as well as their practical offerings like consulting and workshops. Each one stood out for different reasons—some for their deep community roots, others for their national reach or specialized training.
Here’s a quick snapshot of each expert to help you compare at a glance.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Deaf Services Unlimited | Nationwide interpreting and captioning services |
| Unspoken Events Co., LLC | Local inclusive event planning and accessibility consulting |
| Rosemarie Speaks | Disability inclusion consulting and training for meetings |
| Premier Staff | Event staffing and inclusive design consulting |
| Disability & Philanthropy Forum | Workshops and training on event accessibility |
The Full Rundown: 5 Inclusive Event Planning Experts
#1 Deaf Services Unlimited
A screenshot of the Deaf Services Unlimited website.
Deaf Services Unlimited is a nationwide provider of ASL interpreting and CART captioning, making them a go-to for events of any size. They offer both in-person and remote services, which is perfect for hybrid or virtual gatherings. Their team emphasizes proactive planning, encouraging you to ask the right questions about your audience’s access needs. They also provide communication access consulting and Deaf culture training, so you can build accessibility into your event from day one. If you need reliable, professional language access, this is a solid choice.
#2 Unspoken Events Co., LLC
A screenshot of the Unspoken Events Co., LLC website.
Unspoken Events Co., LLC is a Deaf-owned, women-owned, and disabled-owned event planning and accessibility consulting firm based in Central Ohio. Founded by Heidi DeGrace, they create inclusive events that bring Deaf and hearing communities together, offering event strategy, accessibility consulting, and community connection. They partner with businesses, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations, and their upcoming events include a free Back-to-School Bash and a monthly networking series. Their focus on accessibility as a core principle, not an afterthought, sets them apart. If you want an event that educates and inspires while ensuring everyone feels they belong, this is your team.
#3 Rosemarie Speaks
A screenshot of the Rosemarie Speaks website.
Rosemarie Speaks, led by Dr. Rosemarie Rossetti, is a disability inclusion expert with over 25 years of experience. She offers consulting, educational programs, and keynote presentations that help meeting professionals create truly inclusive experiences. Her work covers everything from venue selection to digital accessibility, and she’s known for her engaging, practical approach. She’s based in Ohio, making her a great local resource for conferences and corporate events. If you’re looking to elevate your team’s understanding of disability inclusion, Rosemarie is a trusted guide.
#4 Premier Staff
A screenshot of the Premier Staff website.
Premier Staff is a staffing and event design company that has expanded into inclusive event design consulting. They help you integrate accessibility features into your event planning, from corporate events to community festivals. Their team focuses on creating experiences that are welcoming to all attendees, and they offer a range of services including brand ambassadors and crowd management. They also provide insights on emerging trends, like their blog on corporate event planning for 2025. If you need hands-on support to make your event more inclusive, Premier Staff can help.
#5 Disability & Philanthropy Forum
A screenshot of the Disability & Philanthropy Forum website.
The Disability & Philanthropy Forum offers workshops and training on event accessibility, grounded in the LaVant 5 Pillars of Accessibility™. Their sessions cover everything from registration to post-event follow-up, ensuring you think holistically about access. They provide practical methods for both in-person and virtual events, including signage, captioning, and digital materials. This is a great resource for nonprofits and philanthropic organizations looking to deepen their accessibility practices. Their upcoming workshops are a valuable opportunity to learn from experts in the field.
How to Choose the Right Inclusive Event Expert
Start by defining your event’s scope and audience. If you need nationwide interpreting services, Deaf Services Unlimited is a strong fit. For a local, community-focused approach with a personal touch, Unspoken Events Co. is ideal. If you’re looking for training and consulting to shift your organization’s culture, Rosemarie Speaks offers deep expertise. For staffing and design support, Premier Staff can fill gaps. And if you want to educate your team through workshops, the Disability & Philanthropy Forum is a great choice. Consider your budget, timeline, and the specific access needs of your attendees.
Streamlining Accessibility with Automation
You can use automation to streamline accessibility planning. For example, set up an automated registration form that asks about access needs and triggers a notification to your accessibility consultant. Use project management tools to track accommodation requests and deadlines. For virtual events, automate captioning and ASL interpretation scheduling. These tools save time and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Bringing It All Together
Inclusive event planning is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Whether you choose a local expert like Unspoken Events Co. or a national provider like Deaf Services Unlimited, the key is to start early and integrate accessibility into every step. These five businesses offer a range of services to meet your needs, so you can create events where everyone feels welcome and valued.