OUT AND ABOUT
Enjoy the show
Where to get your gear
Assistive devices are usually available at Guest or Customer Services, Box Office, Coat Check. If you are not sure where to obtain one, call the venue before event or check their website. Usually the website will provide information in their section devoted to patron accessibility.
Making sure it all works
Ask for a neckloop or at least, regular headphones - do not accept earbuds.
Venue staff may not be familiar with the devices -- so be patient and be prepared to explain in detail.
Make sure batteries are charged in the assistive listening device you are given.
Make sure it works and on the right “channel” before entering event. If your seats are a long distance from the area where you obtain the assistive device, ask to check it nearby before heading back to your seat.
Getting connected
Once you have your assistive listening device (ALD) and confirm it works, you can connect the following to the accessories to hear better:
Your own headphones. Many styles work well, especially the headphone with large, comfortable earcups that can fit over your ears and the processor(s).
A telecoil neckloop (be sure you have your remote or app to activate telecoil, if needed)
Audio cable (if you have your FM sleeve on your processor)
Roger Pen or AudioLink. This will require using the accessory cable to connect to the ALD's headphone jack and the Roger Pen/Select/AudioLink.
Captioning devices
Many venues offer caption devices for patrons with hearing loss. Movie listings will include a "CC" symbol on its showings to indicate that captioning is available. Performance theaters, museums, theme parks, etc. also may provide this technology so be sure check on their websites.
Simply check in with the Box Office or Guest Services to request a caption device.
The list below details some of the different caption devices that may be available to you.
A small box that sits in a cupholder or fastened to the armrest. The screen is positioned as needed in front of the viewer, but does not obstruct other's view.
Captioned Glasses feature captions that are shown on the inside of the glasses.
Some theaters provide their own hand-held device that displays captions/scripts of the performances.
Some movie and performance theaters offer "open captions" that are displayed directly on the screen or above the stage.
Reflective Captions - the patron is given a stand with a small plastic screen that reflects captions projected from a LED screen on the back wall.
New apps (i.e., GalaPro) are being developed to offer captions/scripts services from sponsored theaters streamed to smartphones.
Some venues (performance theaters) may offer printed scripts that you can follow along as you watch the show.
