Event & Entertainment Accessibility Guidefor People with Disabilities
Accessibility
information
for America's
National Parks
From Acadia and Arches to Yellowstone and Yosemite, America is home to some of the most amazing landscapes and natural phenomena on the planet. While our guide covers general accessibility provision, the Parks themselves provide a wealth of specific information that is easy to find online.
Simply type into Google the name of the park you are interested in (e.g. Glacier National Park) and visit the official Park site (which will always begin with www.nps.gov)
Under the ‘Plan Your Visit’ dropdown menu, you will always find an ‘Accessibility’ link which is sometimes subdivided into different areas.
The National Park and Federal
Recreational Lands Access Pass
U.S. residents with disabilities may qualify for lifetime free entrance to certain parks under The National Park and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass. At the time of writing this article, you could apply for a pass, for free, at a federal recreation site or, for $10, by mailing this application form.
About the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
The ADA sets out legal requirements that apply to public and commercial service and facility providers. The Act ensures that Americans with disabilities are not discriminated against when accessing services and facilities it covers.
The ADA includes two sets of regulations, Title II and Title III, which apply to State and Local Governments and Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities respectively.
For specific ADA regulations, we suggest visiting the ADA website.
For more general questions about event and entertainment accessibility, please read on:
Hearing & visual
accessibility
Will I be able to use an
assisted listening device?
Almost certainly, yes! The good news is that ALDs are now widely available and freely provided across a wide range of entertainment venues.
Three types of ALDs
Three types of ALDs are commonly provided in theaters, national park visitor centers and other venues with some offering a choice. Induction-based ALDs are the most common. These work with hearing aids that feature a T-Coil and are sometimes worn around the neck like a lanyard.
FM Radio frequency based devices such as the PPA R7 are often available for concert venues while infrared based devices designed by audio electronics specialists (e.g. Sennheiser) are occasionally offered.
It is best to request an ALD in advance as some venues offer them on a first come, first served basis. You will often have to leave some ID or a credit card as security.
Is there an app to help me
access audio information?
The UniDescription app, available via the Apple and Google Play stores, provides audio descriptions of many of the National Park guides.
Some theaters have started supporting voice recognition technology which can transmit audio data to an integrated mobile app. It is always worth calling the venue ahead of time to see what assistive technologies they can provide.
Are TTY text telephones available for
people with hearing impairments?
Some theaters, national parks and other venues will be able to take inbound TTY calls via your local relay center. Some also provide customer accessible TTY phones for accessing public information or for general use. You may need to pay to use this facility.
Will I be able to book an ASL interpreter?
ASL interpreters are occasionally available, especially in the National Parks. However, you will almost certainly need to request an interpreter well in advance of your visit, usually at least three weeks beforehand.
While ASL interpreters provide a valuable service, it is important to understand that the quality of accommodation can vary from person to person.
Some theaters (e.g. the Fox Theater in Detroit) will provide sign language interpretation as standard for certain performances with others available on request. These should be requested well in advance and may be subject to availability.
information to a deaf person
Is captioning available for theaters
and National Park films?
Both open and closed-captioning is sometimes available for theatrical performances and visitor center film presentations but it is not guaranteed and may need to be requested so we highly advise you contact the venue ahead of time.
Open-captioning, where the text is visible to all, is more commonly found than closed-captioning, where viewers use their own devices.
Some venues may restrict captioning to specific showings which can cause problems with accessibility
In 2019, The Fox Theater lost a lawsuit over this issue so you may want to insist on captioning if the venue is being selective.
For selected shows, some venues can provide app-based audio enhancement services such as GalaPro.
- real time closed-captioning
- dubbing
- amplification
- audio description
- works directly with audience members’ mobile devices (or a venue-supplied device)
The app is available on the Google Play and Apple app stores and settings such as screen brightness and font size can be customized to suit the user’s needs and preferences.
Can I access large print or
braille playbills/ programs/ menus?
Even today, many top theaters fail to provide braille or large print publications for people with visual impairments which can be very frustrating.
Notable exceptions are the Durham Performing Arts Center in North Carolina, which produces both a large print playbill and braille menus, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA (the LA Phil) which can provide a complimentary large print program. Ushers at the LA Phil will also read out program notes if requested.
The situation is even more depressing within the restaurant industry with braille menus as rare as they were 15 years ago.
The National Parks provide a much better service with maps and guides regularly available in large print and braille formats.
Can I sit closer to the front if I
have a hearing or visual disability?
Some venues do provide designated seats near the front of the auditorium for people with sensory impairments. These will normally need to be requested on booking and are likely to be subject to availability.
I am very sensitive to loud noises and/or bright
lights. What facilities are available for me?
Some performance venues, for example the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri, provide dedicated sensory rooms and kits to help provide a relaxing environment for those who might find the standard theater environment overstimulating.
Sensory rooms usually provide comfortable seating, dimmable lighting and a monitor while sensory kits might include calming aids such as noise cancelling headphones and hand-held soothers.
Access and Mobility
Will there be accessible seating
available for me and a companion?
All theaters, restaurants and sit-down establishments must offer some form of dedicated seating for people with mobility impairments. These can range from reserved rows of seats next to the venue’s entrance to specially designed disability access areas with customized theater seating.
You may have a range of seating options to choose from (e.g. wheelchair seating or transferable chairs for people with limited mobility).
It is wise to research the specific floor plans and seating types and to book your tickets well ahead of time.
Most venues will accommodate your request to sit next to a companion. Companion seat pricing policy may vary.
Can I bring my wheelchair directly
into the auditorium or viewing area?
This is not always possible, but many entertainment venues, such as theaters, do provide some dedicated spaces for wheelchairs or can remove seats to make way for a wheelchair. Others provide transfer seats which have removable arms to aid transfer from wheelchair to venue seat.
Venues differ in how they cater for people with mobility issues so we recommend checking online or calling the venue directly for more specific information.
theater to place wheelchair
Will I be able to park near the venue entrance?
Every venue is different due to its location and available space. However, due to ADA parking lot rules and the duty of venues to provide access to disabled people, you will normally find adequate disabled parking facilities providing you book early enough.
If venue is the Theater
Most theaters will provide a limited number of handicap parking spaces or blue curb parking.
Most theaters will provide a limited number of handicap parking spaces or blue curb parking but these will normally be supplied on a first come, first served basis. Some will provide valet parking services and this may even be discounted for people with disabilities. Drop off lanes may also be provided for convenient access.
If venue is the National Park
National Parks will also normally have disabled parking facilities in all main areas.
National Parks will also normally have disabled parking facilities in all main areas and may allow drivers with disabilities to drive on restricted roads. Due to the nature of the terrain in some National Parks, vehicular access may be unavailable in some areas (although this will apply to people without disabilities too).
If venue is the High street restaurants
High street restaurants rarely have space for handicap parking.
High street restaurants rarely have space for handicap parking but parking lots of 25 or more spaces are required, under ADA rules, to provide a certain number of 8 foot wide spaces marked for people with disabilities.
To avoid disappointment we recommend you always call ahead of your booking and find out how far away the nearest parking lots are.
Will I be able to hire a wheelchair
or book a wheelchair escort?
A number of event venues do offer courtesy wheelchairs for hire and may also supply an escort.
It is important to understand that escorts are normally provided only to take you to and from your seat before and after the performance and during the intermission.
They may not be permitted to assist you with transfering to your seat or to provide any attendant services.
As they will normally be providing services to other guests as part of their role, it is unlikely that wheelchair escorts will be able to sit with you throughout the performance. These services may also be restricted on a first come, first served basis.
As all venues have different wheelchair policies, we recommend contacting them well in advance of a booking for full details.
Will I be able to access
entertainment venues with my wheelchair?
Due to ADA regulations, provision must be made for wheelchair users to access a venue through at least one entrance. This applies to both new builds and existing properties which must be modified to meet this requirement unless this is ‘technically infeasible.’
Where necessary, accessible elevators should be provided although ramps and wheelchair lifts may be substituted in exceptional circumstances. Elevator access does not necessarily mean that the route to your seat will be free from steps or other obstacles. If you are in any doubts, contact the venue directly for specific information.
Elevator access does not necessarily mean that the route to your seat will be free from steps or other obstacles.
In practice, this should mean that you are guaranteed at least one accessible entrance although this does not have to be the main entrance and you may find you are restricted to certain parts of the building (e.g. non-balcony seating areas in concert venues).
While accessibility is a high priority for the National Parks, the characteristics of the natural terrain will make some areas inaccessible to people in wheelchairs or with mobility issues. We recommend visiting the ‘Accessibility’ page on the relevant Park website as described above.
I am a person of size. Will there
be seats I can use comfortably?
Some entertainment venues do provide bariatric seating designed to help people of size enjoy the experience as much as everyone else. This facility is not widespread and spaces may be limited so we recommend calling the venue well ahead of time.
Medicine & special dietary requirements
Will venues cater for my
allergies or food sensitivities?
Most theaters and other entertainment venues are conscious of the need to cater for people with a range of dietary requirements and will do what they can to accommodate you. However, some venues are more equipped to achieve this than others and you may find that your dining choices are severely restricted in some venues, even some of the bigger ones.
Even the National Parks, which generally provide a high standard of service to people with disabilities, may not be able to cater for all dietary needs in all dining areas.
Restaurants are, of course, much more attuned to the special dietary needs of guests and are more likely to have a suitable menu available.
Will there be an accessible
water fountain I can use?
Water fountains, where they are provided, will almost certainly be designed with the needs of disabled patrons in mind.
If this is important to you, we recommend double-checking with the venue in advance so you can hydrate yourself before arrival if needed.
Can I bring my prescription medication
to an event or performance?
Most venues are accommodating when it comes to prescription medications but specific policies vary so you should always contact the venue ahead of your visit. You may be required to bring photo ID and to ensure your containers are clearly labeled with your name and the prescription date.
Drugs without prescription will almost certainly be prohibited from all venues.
Where can I carry out private medical
procedures (e.g. injecting insulin)?
Many venues will be happy to assist you in self-administering medicines such as insulin by providing you with a private room or space. We recommend you contact the venue in advance so they can make preparations.
Where can I charge my
ventilator/medical device?
Providing you have the necessary adaptors, most venues will allow patrons to plug in a medical device to a power outlet for free.
Some venues may permit this for a small charge while a minority might refuse, especially if power outlets are scarce and/or your device requires a lot of power.
In all cases, we recommend you contact the venue at least two weeks in advance so that they can make provision for you and avoid potentially awkward situations or delays. For example, they might provide a seat next to a power outlet so that you can manage your own medical device charging.
Can I keep my medical alert device
switched on during a theater
performance, presentation or movie?
Many venues will request that you turn off or silence any alerting devices (cell phones, pagers, medical devices, etc.) for the duration of any performance where noise could cause disruption.
Even if there are no explicit instructions, it is respectful to silence devices during such performances. If you are unable to or worried about turning off medical alerts, speak to the venue prior to arrival to check whether you will be permitted to keep them on.
What do I do if I feel unwell while at an
event or performance?
All venues will be required to provide emergency medical assistance, including first aid, should the need arise. However, you may want to familiarize yourself with the identity of the relevant employees or medical office on arrival. If you are worried about how the medical assistance team will respond with a specific scenario, contact them ahead of time so they can put your mind at ease.
Will I lose my money if I become too ill
to attend a pre-booked event or booking?
First of all, check the venue’s refunds policy as you may be able to obtain a full or partial refund through this channel.
If refunds are not permitted or you are not satisfied with the discount offered, speak to the venue management about your circumstances.
They may have provision in their accessibility policy to provide you with a refund or they might agree to your request as an exception.
Service &
assistance animals
Can my service animal accompany me
to an event, restaurant or national park?
Under ADA rules, any public-serving business must allow a service animal to accompany its handler providing the animal is housebroken, under the control of the handler (usually by leash or harness) and does not cause disruption to the business or to other people’s enjoyment of a performance.
Service animals include Guide Dogs, Seeing Eye® Dogs, Hearing Dogs, Signal Dogs, Psychiatric Service Dogs, SsigDOGs and Seizure Response Dogs.
If you are attending a sit-down performance or event, it is best to contact the venue ahead of time to let them know about your service animal. They can then provide you with appropriate seating (e.g. an aisle seat).
Can I bring my emotional
support animal along with me?
Emotional support animals (ESAs), including companion animals and therapy animals, are not covered by ADA rules. Some states have enacted laws covering ESAs so it is worth checking the statutes to see whether you might have additional rights.
Otherwise, it is up to the individual establishment as to whether you can bring your animal with you.
Because of my disability, I am unable to use a
leash. Can my service animal still accompany me?
Although most service animals are required to be controlled by a leash or under a harness, ADA rules state:
Although you are not required to do so, you might want to explain this ruling to venue employees before arrival to pre-empt any awkward situations due to misinterpretation of the ADA rules.
As with any service animal, a business may require your service animal to leave if it is not under your control (this includes excessive barking, jumping up on people, growling at people or otherwise disrupting the business).
“Where either the handler is unable to hold a tether because of a disability or its use would interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of work or tasks, the service animal must be under the handler’s control by some other means, such as voice control.”
I have a service animal-in-training. Will it be
treated the same as a trained service animal?
Service animals-in-training are not accepted as service animals under the ADA rules. Unless state laws give added rights to service animals-in-training, we recommend you check with the business owner for their policy on admitting service animals-in-training.
What facilities does a business have
to provide for my service animal?
Under ADA rules, a business is not legally required to clean up after a service animal or to provide any other care or facilities. Many businesses do provide water and other facilities as a courtesy and it is also worth checking state laws for additional service animal rights.
Can a business ask me to prove my
service animal has been trained?
A business is not permitted to ask for proof of training and is limited to asking you two questions about your service animal:
Is the animal required because of a disability?
What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
It may only ask these questions if the answers are not self-evident (e.g. if a service animal is pulling your wheelchair, the business may not ask these questions).
Miscellaneous
Will there be restrooms
for people with disabilities?
Under ADA rules, businesses must take steps to remove barriers to people with disabilities using restroom facilities.
This includes but is not limited to removing obstructing furniture or vending machines, widening doors, installing ramps, providing easy to follow signage, widening toilet stalls and installing grab bars.
Visit the venue’s website or speak to them directly for specific information about the numbers and locations of accessible restrooms and the adaptations that have been made (e.g. automatic doors).
I require a changing table.
Will this be possible?
There is no legal requirement for businesses to provide adult changing tables (also called nursing tables).
However, some venues do provide universal changing tables in one or more of their accessible restrooms. Others might provide these facilities in a separate room.
Who do I contact if I need any assistance
while at an event or entertainment venue?
Many venues will provide a dedicated point of contact for patrons with disabilities.
Full details of where to locate them should be provided with your booking. Some venues may offer a personalized service.
How do I get out of the venue safely in
the event of a fire or other emergency?
Venue staff will be fully trained to ensure all patrons, including those with disabilities, can be evacuated quickly in the event of an emergency.
For further reassurance and more specific details, we recommend talking to the venue directly.
How do I find out more information
about accessibility at a specific venue?
Many events and entertainment venues provide this information via their website, usually under an ‘Accessibility’ section.
Alternatively, you may be able to find the answers to your questions using the site’s search function. The quality of online information is inconsistent so you may find it easier to call or email the venue directly.
As a rule of thumb, contact the venue at least three weeks ahead of a performance or event if you need to reserve a space or book specialist equipment or services.
