Access Measures
Three easy steps to create your own customized Access Plan - ready for Board approval, a staff meeting, or the next grant application.
- Filter the list by Community (who), Cost (how much) or Timeline (how long).
- Clicking the ADD TO MY PLAN button on any measures that you would like to implement.
- To see your Access Plan, click on the My Plan tab at the top, or the blue My Plan button in the bottom right corner.
Definition: A document that outlines all the access needs and/or standards of inclusion and education that you require of the organization you are working with, so that an artist can be comfortable, safe, and focus on their work.
Definition: A program designed by Easter Seals Canada, where a person requiring assistance can register for the Access2 card. They are then able to show their card at any registered venue to receive a complimentary ticket for their companion when they purchase a ticket for themselves. For more information on the Access2 program visit: www.Access2Card.ca.
Visit https://access2card.ca/ to find application and sign up.
Definition: A thorough, professional evaluation of how well your venue/policies/digital meet the needs of people with disabilities. This information is useful for infrastructure upgrades, and so folks can make informed choices about what events and spaces they can participate in and support.
Definition: An individual with lived experience and/or specialized training in the field of accessibility needs. This person will work with your organization to understand your goals and advise how best to meet the accessibility needs of your audience, performers and staff based on where you are in your learning process.
Definition: A document created to outline the ways your organization is working to become more accessible and inclusive and to list the access measures available for that specific event.
Definition: A document that outlines the timeline and steps your organization plans to take to better meet the accessibility needs of your audience, performers, and staff. Your accessibility plan should cover the current production while also looking to the future.
Definition: A video created to show audience members what to expect when they arrive at the venue. This video will give visual and verbal descriptions of the space as well as provide any warnings of elements or subject matter that may be problematic.
Definition: A parking space that is clearly identified as reserved for use by a person with a disability and meets the local government requirements.
Definition: A washroom designed to meet the access needs of a person with a physical, visual, or sensory disability. All accessible washrooms should be tested by an accessibility advisory or by several members of the Disability community, following the accessibility guidelines in the building code is not enough.
Definition: A person trained in a way of listening using verbal and nonverbal messages and responding to that person with the goal of improving mutual understanding. Active listeners will give their full focus and attention to a person and will then confirm the messages they received by repeating them to the speaker. They may sometimes provide further resources if needed.
Definition: Text that briefly describes an online image. This text is used by blind or partially sighted individuals (who might be using screen readers) to understand what is happening in an image, or by everyone when an image does not load. For more resources to understand alt-text and how it differs from image descriptions visit the Instagram account @Higher_Priestess.
Definition: A visual language that serves as the predominant sign language of Deaf and hard of hearing communities in anglophone Canada (note there are other types of sign language including Maritime Sign Language, used by some here in Nova Scotia). The shape, placement, and movement of the hands as well as facial expressions and body movements all play important parts in conveying information and meaning. ASL has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, but the grammatical structure and syntax differ from English. Like all languages, ASL grows and changes over time.
Definition: A form of education that examines an anti-oppressive framework. This means that we recognize the oppression that is built into our systems and institutions and challenge inequalities and injustices that allow one group to dominate over another. Anti-oppression training introduces concepts of power and privilege, while teaching the difference between equity and equality. An anti-oppressive framework allows us to understand our place within these systems, question our practices, and create new approaches that counter oppression and move us closer to reconciliation and decolonization.
Definition: Hear Better in Conversations Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are personal technologies that can help you communicate in one-to-one conversations. They are hand-held amplifiers with microphones that bring the sound you wish to hear closer to your ears. These small devices capture the sound you want to hear and may filter some background noise. There are other personal devices, such as wireless FM devices and propriety devices that are sold by audiologists as ancillary equipment to various brands of hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Definition: A form of enhanced narration used to provide information surrounding key visual elements, such as scene changes, settings, costumes, physical movement, and more. It is often described as speaking pictorially. Used to "fill in the gaps" for those who cannot see the content.
Definition: A policy that outlines the rules in a space for bringing children who are too young to walk or sit by themselves to a performance
Definition: A form of written language for blind people, in which characters are represented by patterns of raised dots that are felt with the fingertips.
Definition: The practice of writing phrases without spaces or punctuation, indicating the separation of words with a single capitalized letter. Used as an access measure when writing hashtags, to allow screen readers to differentiate between words.
Definition: The care for children provided or subsidized by the organization while parents are at work, participating in, or watching a performance.
Definition: Time Synchronized text that reflects the audio track and can be read while watching visual content. Closed Captions are in the same language as the audio.
Definition: A written contract between the organization/employees/contractors that outlines the terms and conditions of employment.
Definition: The live, word for word translation of speech and sound into text, which allows a person who is d/Deaf or hard of hearing, people learning the language, as well as neurodivergent individuals to follow what is being said aloud. CART is a service where a specially trained stenographer listens to what is being said and types it, so it can be read on-screen (also known as real-time stenography).
Definition: A picture symbol board that can be used to facilitate communication. The pictures on the board will enable a person to make comments, requests, or give direction without the need for verbal communication. Communication boards are traditionally used by members of the autism community and by people who are non-verbal, although they have many other uses, such as for individuals who do not speak the language or for patrons with anxiety.
Definition: Community members with lived experience who are paid to offer knowledge and experience to the organization that hired them. Community consultants will use their knowledge and understanding of their community to guide decision making.
Definition: A free ticket offered to the companion of a ticket buyer who requires support to navigate the space and support their needs during the performance.
Definition: Verbal and written notices that warn of potentially sensitive content within the material. It is best for these to be identified with approximate time stamps of the sensitive content so those engaging with it can prepare themselves to adequately engage or disengage for their own well-being.
Definition: A d/Deaf interpreter (DI) is an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing and possesses excellent communication skills in both ASL and English. They have been trained in interpreter ethics and may also have specialized communication training in use of gesture, mime, drawings, and matching sentence structure and language of the deaf person they are interpreting. The DI also has an extensive knowledge and understanding of deafness and of Deaf culture. Some people believe that the use of a d/Deaf & hearing interpreter team increases the level of accuracy in the overall transmission of information.
Definition: Disability awareness training is a type of education that helps companies, leaders, and teams understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities in order to improve accessibility and inclusion in the workplace.
Definition: A process used to identify or measure the happiness and satisfaction of employees and/or audience.
Definition: A first aid kit or medical kit is a collection of supplies and equipment used to give immediate medical treatment, primarily to treat injuries and other mild or moderate medical conditions.
Definition: A flexible schedule is a work structure where employees create their schedules without location and time constraints, which is typical of traditional work schedules. Employees can find a work-life balance with a flexible work structure, as this schedule considers their personal life.
Definition: Washrooms that anticipate and accommodate the needs of members of all genders and where individuals of any gender can feel comfortable and safe.
Definition: Detailed explanations of an image that provides textual information to describe visual images to a person who is blind or partially sighted. When using Image Descriptions to describe art we can use a little more creativity than with typical image descriptions, and it provides another layer of artistic expression for the artist. For more information on Image descriptions visit the Higher Priestess Instagram account at: @Higher_Priestess.
Definition: A person hired to facilitate communication and who works to ensure that both parties feel their needs are being heard and respected.
Definition: An intimacy director or coordinator is a choreographer, an advocate for actors, and a liaison between actors and production for scenes that involve nudity / hyper-exposed work, simulated sex acts, and/or intimate physical contact.
Definition: A statement that a non-Indigenous person or visiting Indigenous person gives to recognize and honor the land they are working on and the Indigenous people who are the caretakers of the land.
Definition: A legend that outlines the level of language comprehension a person would need to follow the performance.
Definition: Large print documents are clear easy to read print documents without images and may aid readability.
Definition: A policy put in place if someone arrives late to the theatre. Latecomers policies should be posted in advance to adequately prepare audiences before they arrive to the theatre. Latecomers policies can include allowing those to their seats at any time, allowing those in at a suitable break, allowing those in at the end of the act.
Definition: Transmit or receive live video and audio coverage over the internet.
Definition: Mask policies should be clearly posted so people can decide if a space is safe for them to participate in. Masks Recommended and Mask Mandatory policies are the most accessible options for all to be able to participate.
Definition: A training program to prepare individuals to help you give to someone developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.
Definition: Variety of hotlines, online information services, mobile apps, and even video games available to help people cope with mental illness.
Definition: A relationship between two people where the individual with more experience, knowledge, and connections is able to pass along what they have learned to the person with less experience.
Definition: The use of a microphone helps to stabilize a presenters volume and significantly improves the function of a hearing aid. This helps not only those in the hearing loss community, but also removes barriers for people who have trouble processing and understanding.
Definition: Assistive devices used to enhance a person’s level of mobility. These are tools that add to their quality of life rather than ‘binding’, ‘confining’, or ‘limiting’ them.
Definition: A kit containing Naloxone, which acts as an opioid antagonist, meaning it can be administered during an opioid overdose to temporarily reverse the effects so that treatment can be sought.
Definition: A policy banning flash photography, which can distract, or even temporarily blind the performers and crew, and trigger those with sensitivities to light.
Definition: Open Captions are always in view for everyone and cannot be turned off.
Definition: A pricing strategy where consumers can pay what they are able to pay. A recommended price can be available but options should range from $0 to offer a fully accessible option.
Definition: Refers to the pronoun that a person prefers to be associated with. The sharing or display of pronouns as a way to show others that they will respect everyone’s pronouns; in other words, displaying their pronouns is a way to let others know (especially LGBTQ+ folks) that they will create a safe space for any LGBTQ+ folks around them. If you are unclear about a person’s pronouns, ask them and then make a conscious effort to learn and use them. If you want to learn more, check out this website, or try out the Pronoun Dressing Room online.
Definition: A section of seating reserved for those with specific access needs. Priority could be chosen based on sightlines, proximity to the ASL interpreters, or because it is easily accessed by mobility device users and by service animals.
Definition: A room designed to diminish the amount of sensory input a person is taking in. A person can visit the room when they are feeling sensory overload or to prevent themselves from reaching the point of sensory overload. Sensory rooms have lower lighting, less background noise, comfortable places to sit, and provide sensory kits which can be used to calm the person’s mind.
Definition: A performance adapted to suit the needs of those who prefer a more relaxed performance style. This includes an invitation to move around freely and vocalise as needed. Sound cues are lowered, house lights are raised, and there are warnings provided for any sudden or startling actions. There is also a sensory or calm room and advanced introductions to actors and their characters.
Definition: The length of time a performance runs from start to finish. The runtime includes any breaks, but we suggest letting patrons know when the scheduled breaks will take place during the show.
Definition: A policy which prohibits the use of scented products within the building at any time, including cleaning products.
Definition: A kit made up of items that can be used to calm a person when they are in a state of sensory overload. This may also be known as ‘stim kits’ and ‘stim toys’ (abbreviation for stimulation).
Definition: Verbal and written notices that precedes potentially overstimulating sensory experiences within the material. It is best for these to be identified with approximate time stamps so the sensitive content is identified and those engaging with it can prepare themselves to adequately engage or disengage for their own well-being. Overstimulating sensory experiences can involve, scents, loud sounds, whispering voices, strobe lights, harsh lighting, fluorescent lighting, haze, fog, smoke, physical interaction and more.
Definition: An animal who has undergone specialised training in order to perform specific tasks that support the disabled person they are assisting.
Definition: This is when a second cast will accompany the principal cast and perform each character’s voiced text in ASL.
Definition: A hard plastic container that is used to safely dispose of hypodermic needles and other sharp medical instruments.
Definition: A person with specialized training who can safely guide a blind or partially sighted person through an unknown environment. They use both physical guiding techniques as well as verbal description of where an item is situated when the team is standing still.
Definition: Elements designed for audience members to interact with and touch before/during/after a performance to enhance the understanding or experience of a piece.
Definition: A touch tour is usually held before an Audio-Described performance of a theatre production to provide context about the show and to allow blind and partially sighted members of the audience to familiarise themselves with the design of the space, costumes and props ahead of the show itself.
Definition: A text version of all spoken dialogue, lyrics, and any non-speech audio information, so that the written copy can be followed along with the live action. Transcripts should be available in hard copy when possible and should be shared in PDF format and in a text only Word Doc format.
Definition: Proximity to public transportation. Consider routes from transit stops to venue - path, curb cuts, wayfinding, cross walks, advertised on website in written and video
Definition: The perception of vibration through touch. Vibrotactile perception can be used either as an accessibility measure as a substitute for other senses or to enhance the information provided through your other senses.
Definition: An auditory description of visual elements and the action in a video so that those who are blind or partially sighted can follow the action as it happens. These descriptions are interspersed amongst any dialogue happening in the video.
Definition: An auditory self-description of your appearance and the clothing you are wearing, given when you first begin speaking (during a meeting or for any online content) so that those who are blind or partially sighted have an understand of what you look like. Elements to include may be your gender, approximate age, hair colour and length, skin tone, eye color, facial shape, a description of the clothing and glasses you are wearing, and any important elements from your background. You do not have to describe all these elements, but it is important to describe elements that are meaningful to your identity.
Definition: A story told primarily through visual elements, using a series of messages like graphics, images, pictures, or videos. Visual storytelling is an additional tool which can be used to describe the story of your performance to your audience. This tool reduces your reliance on language comprehension and allows you to be more creative in your storytelling.
Definition: A place for garbage should be provided in each bathroom stall.
Definition: The use of signage, colour, and other design elements to help navigate a space.
Definition: An opportunity for new employees to disclose their health/wellness/care/access needs