The Gist:
Theater Access NYC is a terrific one-stop resource for theatergoers with disabilities. The website is designed to give easy access to accessibility information for all Broadway performances. It allows users to filter shows by accessibility needs, and provides in-depth information about each show's available resources. The site covers information on a wide range of issues including mobility issues, hearing loss, vision loss, and autism.
Click here to check out the site, and if you want to know all
the ins and outs, read on!
What is Theater Access NYC?
Theater Access NYC the official site for accessibility to Broadway. It was co-developed by two of the most important theatrical non-profits in New York City, TDF (Theatre Development Fund) and The Broadway League. The site sprung from these organizations' shared belief that "everyone, regardless of disability, should have access to the performing arts." The website provides accessibility information for all currently running Broadway show including details about:
- Audio description
- Open captioning
- Listening devices
- Sign language interpretation
- Wheel chair access and seating locations
- Autism friendly performances
By allowing users to filter for their specific needs, the site gives people with disabilities and their friends and families a great way to efficiently uncover the information they need to make an informed choice about going to the theater.
How does it work?
On the front page of the website you'll be greeted with a set of six icons, and below them, a list of all the shows currently running on Broadway. Below each show's listing, you'll be able to see which icons apply to that performance.
Click on any of the icons at the top of the screen, and when you're hoping to attend a show, and the list will automatically be filtered for those selections. Then you can click the link underneath the show for detailed information about the show.
The show's main page provides a plethora of useful information including a plot summary and performance schedule. The left hand column is devoted to accessibility information and includes details about Ongoing Accommodations, which are available at every performance, and Scheduled Accommodations, which are offered at select performances.
It also provides a breakdown of specific accessibility issues and amenities under the "Additional Accessibility Details" heading. Here you'll find detailed information on a whole host of subjects. Information like: how much wheelchair seating is available and where it's located, where the restrooms are and how many steps it takes to access them, if elevators or escalators are available at the theater, if assisted listening devices are available and whether they need to be reserved in advance, and much, much more.
Thanks to TDF and the Broadway League for providing such a great resource in Theater Access NYC!
- Have you used the website before? Checking it out for the first time? Let us know what you think of it in the comments below!