As an expert in the field of accessibility and inclusion, I have been asked numerous times about the accommodations for individuals with disabilities at the theatres in South Jordan, UT. It is a valid concern, as everyone should have equal access to entertainment and cultural experiences. In this article, I will provide an overview of the special accommodations available at the theatres in South Jordan, UT for individuals with disabilities.
Understanding Accessibility
Before we dive into the specific accommodations at the theatres in South Jordan, UT, it is important to understand what accessibility means. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accessibility refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities.This includes physical access, communication access, and programmatic access. When it comes to theatres, accessibility means ensuring that individuals with disabilities can enter and navigate the space, have access to information and communication, and participate in the programs and events offered.
Theatres in South Jordan, UT
South Jordan is a vibrant city located in Salt Lake County, Utah. It is home to several theatres that offer a variety of performances ranging from plays and musicals to concerts and film screenings. The two main theatres in South Jordan are the Hale Centre Theatre and the Megaplex Theatres at The District. The Hale Centre Theatre is a professional theatre company that has been entertaining audiences since 1985. It is known for its Broadway-style productions and has two stages - the Centre Stage and the Jewel Box Stage. The Megaplex Theatres at The District is a movie theatre complex that offers state-of-the-art technology and amenities.Accessibility Accommodations
Both the Hale Centre Theatre and the Megaplex Theatres at The District are committed to providing equal access to individuals with disabilities.They have implemented various accommodations to ensure that everyone can enjoy their performances and events.
Physical Access
The first step towards accessibility is ensuring that individuals with disabilities can enter and navigate the space. Both theatres have accessible parking spaces close to the entrance, as well as ramps and elevators for those using wheelchairs or mobility aids. The seating areas in both theatres also have designated spaces for individuals with disabilities. In addition, the Hale Centre Theatre offers assisted listening devices for individuals with hearing impairments. These devices amplify the sound from the stage, making it easier for those with hearing loss to enjoy the performance.Communication Access
Communication access is crucial for individuals with disabilities, especially those who are deaf or hard of hearing.The Hale Centre Theatre offers open captioning for select performances, where the dialogue and sound effects are displayed on a screen for the audience to read. They also have American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performances for some shows. The Megaplex Theatres at The District also offer open captioning and ASL interpreted performances upon request. They also have closed captioning devices available for all movies shown at their theatre.
Programmatic Access
Programmatic access refers to ensuring that individuals with disabilities can participate in the programs and events offered by the theatres. Both the Hale Centre Theatre and the Megaplex Theatres at The District have made efforts to make their performances and events accessible to everyone. The Hale Centre Theatre offers audio-described performances for individuals who are blind or have low vision.During these performances, a trained audio describer provides a live description of the visual elements of the performance, such as costumes, sets, and actions. They also have sensory-friendly performances for individuals with sensory sensitivities. The Megaplex Theatres at The District offer descriptive video services for select movies, where a narrator describes the visual elements of the film during pauses in dialogue. They also have sensory-friendly screenings for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Additional Services
In addition to the accommodations mentioned above, both theatres offer additional services to ensure that individuals with disabilities have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The Hale Centre Theatre has accessible restrooms and a designated quiet room for individuals who need a break from the performance.They also have trained staff members who are available to assist individuals with disabilities. The Megaplex Theatres at The District have wheelchair-accessible restrooms and offer complimentary tickets for personal care attendants accompanying individuals with disabilities.
