Accessible Broadway

posted on Mar 01 by Stacy in the Advocacy, Disability Discrimination, Disability News, Wheelchair Accessibility category

Can’t see the stage from nosebleed heaven?  Imagine not being able to see the stage at all!  “No one wants to feel left out of a performance”  said Lisa Carling, the director of the Theater Development Fund’s accessibility program, which offers assistance to theatergoers with physical disabilities.  “if you miss a punchline or a dramatic statement, everyone else is included but you are not.”
Many stayed away from the theater because they were blind or had poor eyesight, they needed wheelchair access, they were hard of hearing, or perhaps they couldn’t climb stairs.
Through TDF there are now programs for the blind or those with low vision.  Audio description is available.  A live describer tells them what is happening onstage during times when you can’t hear anything.  They describe the costumes, sets and the theater.
For the deaf or hearing disabled they have open captioning.  It involves a portable LED screen set up orchestra right or left.  They also offer sign language interpretation.  Special requests are handled on a case by case basis.  It may be as simple as seating someone close to the stage so they can read lips, or providing a script to follow.  TDF is about building audiences, and including a group that has been left out in the past.  They make it easier for those with disabilities to order tickets, attend shows, provide orchestra seating at a discount.ÂÂ
ÂÂ
Making Broadway Accessible for the Disabled – ArtsBeat Blog – NYTimes.com