Accessibility Audit of D.C. Theatres: Local Accommodation Practices for Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Audiences

The goal of this study is to encourage consistent access to accessible performances for audiences with hearing loss and highlight their value, with the ultimate hope of further closing the gap between the hearing and hearing-loss communities through the facilitative power of the arts. The thesis analyzes accommodation strategies for patrons with hearing loss specific to small and midsize organizations as defined by expenses according to Theatre Communications Group. Information was collected regarding legislation, barriers to accommodation, and suggested practices from a variety of sources. To supplement the research, an audit was conducted to record offerings for the aforementioned target patrons within the Washington, D.C. area theatre landscape as defined by theatrewashington, in order to identify trends or additional real-world solutions to common barriers to accommodation facing smaller organizations. The culmination of the primary and secondary resources in addition to the research collected during the audit resulted in accommodation suggestions specific to small and midsize theaters.