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With the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in
1990, business and service providers throughout the United States
are mandated to ensure access to goods and services by people with
disabilities. Often, ADA compliance efforts are focused on removing
barriers to access for individuals with mobility concerns. These
solutions usually include installation of elevators, ramps,
handrails, curb cuts, etc.
However, the ADA also requires accessibility for individuals with
vision and hearing impairments. Since the accommodation needs of
hearing impaired individuals vary, the theatre venue should consider
the various of accommodations potentially required by patrons:
Amplification: some people with hearing loss may have the ability to
hear some sound with the assistance of amplification. These
individuals often refer to themselves as "hard of hearing" or
"hearing impaired," and often do not know sign language. Theatres
usually accommodate hearing aid users by providing FM or infrared
amplification devices that help pipe sound from the theatre's sound
system directly into the patron's
hearing aid.
Interpreters: many people with hearing loss do not benefit from
amplification, and use American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary
method of communication. Generally, ASL users refer to themselves as
Deaf. For these patrons, interpreters provide the only source of
information about dialogue, music, and other stage sounds. Some Deaf
patrons may consider using an amplification device in addition to
interpreters.
Generally speaking, the ADA requires that a venue provide reasonable
accommodation to people with disabilities. These issues of venue and
"reasonable accommodation," are important considerations for
theatres.
When the production company and venue are the same - for example, in
regional theatres - the responsible party is not in question.
However, when the Fisher Theatre in Detroit brings in a touring
company of Damn Yankees., for example, it is generally accepted that
it is the Fisher Theatre's responsibility to contract with the
interpreters.
Also, the law's requirement of "reasonable accommodation" is often
used as a loophole to claim financial or other hardship with respect
to providing accessible services to people with disabilities. And,
while a small, local theatre may be able to claim that the
installation of a $100,000 elevator might cause irreparable fiscal
harm, the provision of interpreted performances generally are
considered reasonable.
The Department of Justice website: usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm
provides detailed information about the Americans with Disabilities
Act, as well as information about ADA compliance.
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