Music to My Ears
Most of us enjoy a nice night out on the town — going to hear live music, see a play or take in the latest new release at the movie theater. But what’s meant to be relaxing and fun can be frustrating and disappointing if the venue isn’t equipped with accessibility features for all patrons.
What does it mean for a venue to be accessible?
Understanding accessibility is as simple as breaking down the word itself: accessibility means making it possible for people of all abilities to access the world with as few barriers as possible. This includes those with:
- Hearing impairments.
- Visual impairments.
- Sensory needs, such as sensitivity to loud sounds and bright lights.
- Physical disabilities.
- Intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Neurodivergence, such as autism or ADHD.
- Limited mobility.
- Communication differences.
Accessibility is more than just marking a few parking spots near a building entrance. Over the past few decades, since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990, businesses, schools and organizations have begun to incorporate accessibility features that consider a wide variety of needs into their physical spaces and programming.
Educational and entertainment options for people with hearing loss
One great example of this for people with hearing loss is hearing assistive technology, such as assistive listening systems. These systems deliver sound directly to a receiver in a hearing aid, cochlear implant or an external unit connected to a hearing device like headphones. These include:
- Hearing loop systems.
- Auracast broadcast audio.
- Infrared systems.
- FM systems.
- Wi-Fi audio systems.
Learn more about assistive listening systems from the Hearing Loss Association of America.
Where can I find hearing-accessible entertainment in Kansas City?
Many of the landmark cultural and entertainment venues around the Kansas City area have embraced accessibility. Here are a few to explore:
- The Kansas City Symphony / Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
- Starlight Theatre
- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
- Movie theaters, including B&B Theatres, AMC
- The Kansas City Zoo
- Kansas City Public Library
- National WWI Museum and Memorial
Headed someplace that’s not on this list? Just ask! Often, accommodations are available for people with hearing loss and many other types of disabilities. If possible, reach out to the venue a couple of weeks before your event so they can be sure to be ready for you.
With great hearing care from your doctoral-level audiologist and available accommodations at many venues, you can enjoy every moment of your experience.
