In commemoration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2026, Ascott Indonesia Region Bali presented a collaborative initiative titled “Speak Without Sound”, held at HARRIS Hotel Kuta Tuban on the 21st of May 2026.
More than simply an annual programme, the event served as a meaningful platform to foster deeper human connections beyond spoken words.
Ten Ascott properties across Bali — Citadines Berawa Beach Bali Resort, HARRIS Hotel Kuta Tuban, HARRIS Hotel & Residences Riverview Kuta, HARRIS Hotel & Residences Sunset Road, HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Denpasar, HARRIS Hotel Seminyak, FOX Hotel Jimbaran Beach, YELLO Hotel Kuta Beachwalk, Maison Aurelia Sanur and POP! Hotel Kuta Beach — united in one movement alongside PUSBISINDO Bali and Matahati Kita Poleng Foundation Bali.
Held as part of Ascott International’s commitment through the Ascott CARES pillar, “Speak Without Sound” was more than just a campaign. Ascott Indonesia Region Bali sought to encourage hospitality professionals, particularly hoteliers, to view inclusion as an essential part of the way people serve, interact and understand one another with sincerity and empathy.
Through a hands-on experience format, participants were invited to step into the perspective of the Deaf community through Bahasa Isyarat Indonesia (BISINDO), Indonesia’s sign language system. The workshop created a warm and interactive learning environment while fostering genuine empathy. For hotel staff, the initiative was not only about learning a new language, but also about understanding more inclusive ways of communicating with guests with disabilities.
“Speak Without Sound” was designed as a shared experience that brought together various communities, ranging from hotel staff and Bali’s creative community to members of the Deaf community. Through a simple yet meaningful approach, the initiative served as a reminder that not every voice is heard, yet everyone deserves to be understood.
Supported by cross-community collaborations, including PUSBISINDO Bali as the BISINDO educational facilitator, Matahati Kita Poleng Foundation Bali as a cultural and community partner, and the involvement of Okubo Jasmine as creative collaborator and awareness advocate, the programme became a platform that was not only educational, but also socially and culturally relevant.
“Ascott is committed to providing equal opportunities for the best talents to become part of the wider Ascott family, particularly across Bali and Eastern Indonesia,” said Patrick Legrand, General Manager of Ascott Region Bali and Eastern Indonesia, during the opening of the “Speak Without Sound” event.
Through “Speak Without Sound”, Ascott Indonesia Region Bali reaffirmed its commitment to becoming part of a more open and inclusive hospitality industry. In line with its efforts towards Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification, accessibility and inclusivity remain key priorities that continue to be strengthened. Ascott believes that opportunities to build a career in the hospitality industry should be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.