ACCESS VIRGINIA

Access Virginia is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was created to provide open captioning and audio description at live theatrical performances so that Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Blind/Visually Impaired persons can attend performances and experience the wonder of live entertainment at public facilities. Access Virginia will work to expand accommodation services to other public venues.

WHY IS PROVIDNG ACCOMMODATION SO IMPORTANT?

Under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), both the facility and the presenter/producer have a legal obligation to provide effective communication for someone with a disability that does not fundamentally alter the nature of the product being offered or cause an undue burden to the venue. As cited in the ADA Technical Assistance Manual, open captioning and audio description are examples of auxiliary aids and services that promote effective communication for people who are hard of hearing, Deaf and visually impaired.

Access Virginia Accessibility Programs (AVAP) makes attending live theatre possible for everyone. Special seating is reserved for theatre-goers who are hard of hearing, Deaf and visually impaired.