Interpretation for the Deaf

[icewolf08]

We happily provide ASL interpreters for any performance if requested by a patron (we have to, and so do you [if you are in the USA]). What I was wondering is if there are any types of wireless subtitle devices like we have assisted listening devices. If there aren't we should totally invent some.

Why do I ask? First off, finances. It costs the theatre $1K to have a pair of ASL interpreters come for one performance. If only one or two patrons request the interpreters, we only take in about $100 for their seats. As I said, we are happy to provide this service, and facilitating it is much easier since we are on a university campus. However, we always struggle with how to facilitate this service without detracting from the experience for the rest of the patrons and distracting the actors.

So, I know that places like the Metropolitan Opera have individual seatback subtitle devices that can only be seen by the person sitting directly behind the device. So, is there a system on the market that can do this wirelessly? Having an easily deployable wireless system would allow us to accept any patron at any time, no advance notice would be required to book interpreters, not to mention the cost savings.

If you know of an existing system, I would love a link or info. If you think we could invent one, that would be cool too!

[ruinexplorer]

For your enjoyment, Jeff Dunham talking about a performance for the deaf.

Why you shouldn´t bring deaf people to see a ventriliquist

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Seriously, I was working at a roadhouse on a university campus and for the Broadway tours, the ASL show was always the Saturday matinee. We would place the interpreters on apple boxes DSL with the audience directly behind them. It was relatively easy to light them without detracting from the show. Of couse we also provided IR headsets for the hard of hearing. Problem was, Sennheiser must not have thought that the headsets make great wishbones because I had to fix about a dozen a night.

Warning: video not edited for TV (one use of F word if you are so offended)

[derekleffew]

Originally Posted by icewolf08

We happily provide ASL interpreters for any performance if requested by a patron (we have to, and so do you [if you are in the USA]). ...

Are you sure about this? I don't think I've ever heard of a provision in the ADA requiring a theatre to provide a person to whisper descriptions of the scenery or stage action into the ear of a blind visually-challenged person. The law says "fair and reasonable accommodations", does it not?

I've heard of theatres providing ONE performance of a production for the hearing-impaired, but never an "on-demand" policy.

[icewolf08]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

Are you sure about this? I don't think I've ever heard of a provision in the ADA requiring a theatre to provide a person to whisper descriptions of the scenery or stage action into the ear of a blind visually-challenged person. The law says "fair and reasonable accommodations", does it not?

I've heard of theatres providing ONE performance of a production for the hearing-impaired, but never an "on-demand" policy.

Our "on demand" policy is what I have been told by our management. It may not be required by law, but I was told by management that we can't say no if a patron requests an interpreter. Thus my looking into a more easily deployable on-demand system. If we have to provide assisted listening devices why not a caption device?

[icewolf08]

Originally Posted by ruinexplorer

For your enjoyment, Jeff Dunham talking about a performance for the deaf.

Why you shouldn´t bring deaf people to see a ventriliquist

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Warning: video not edited for TV (one use of F word if you are so offended)

This begs the question of the evening (that sparked my intrigue in the subject). Wouldn't a deaf patron miss the point/comedy in 90% of "My Fair Lady" as the show is all about the language?

[ruinexplorer]

Not only that, but what about comic timing?

[derekleffew]

Originally Posted by icewolf08

...Thus my looking into a more easily deployable on-demand system. If we have to provide assisted listening devices why not a caption device?

How about a laptop with PowerPoint slides of the script? If it the slides had entrances and exits, one wouldn't get too far off.

edit: Forget the laptop. Other than copyright issues, why not just print a simplified version of the script. Does your theatre provide braille copies of the program for the blind?

This reminds me a little of the "wheelchair seats" thread. An interpreter must be pre-arranged in advance, right? What's the difference between a deaf person buying ticket 30 minutes before curtain, and a wheelchair patron showing up with no notice?

[Van]

I believe Derek is correct about the "reasonable" aspect of hearing impaired interpretation. We don't offer a signed presentation. We could, I suppose, but I believe I'd be more inclined to offer scripts or Super Titles. We have had, in the past, different shows in which a lot of memebers of the deaf community expressed interest, for those we usually put together one or two performances specifically in mind with having interpreters present.

< I have pictures of Garret Morris screaming in a little window at the bottom of my TV screen, in my mind all of a sudden.>

[icewolf08]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

How about a laptop with PowerPoint slides of the script? If it the slides had entrances and exits, one wouldn't get too far off.

edit: Forget the laptop. Other than copyright issues, why not just print a simplified version of the script. Does your theatre provide braille copies of the program for the blind?

This reminds me a little of the "wheelchair seats" thread. An interpreter must be pre-arranged in advance, right? What's the difference between a deaf person buying ticket 30 minutes before curtain, and a wheelchair patron showing up with no notice?

Originally Posted by Van

I believe Derek is correct about the "reasonable" aspect of hearing impaired interpretation. We don't offer a signed presentation. We could, I suppose, but I believe I'd be more inclined to offer scripts or Super Titles. We have had, in the past, different shows in which a lot of memebers of the deaf community expressed interest, for those we usually put together one or two performances specifically in mind with having interpreters present.

I don't disagree that we may go above and beyond, I just wonder if there was a way that we could offer this service.

[gafftaper]

First off I bet your requirement to provide services has something to do with your ties to the University. We are also required but the services are provided by a department at the college. SO, my first suggestion is to try to work that connection with the University and see if there is a way to get interpreters through a program on campus and save you some money.

Now as for a really cool high tech/low tech solution. Here in Seattle we have one of the last Cinemascope theaters. The Cinerama was built in the 60's and was about to be demolished in the 90's when Microsoft Co-founder Paul Allen purchased and restored it. It's now one of the most technically cool theaters in the country to watch a movie. They still have the Cinemascope screen and projector. They also have the latest high def digital projection and a "small screen" that sits in front of the Cinemascope screen (the "Small screen" is still the largest screen in town). A couple times a year they get out "How the west was won" and other classics. Anyway, they have a really cool subtitle system. In the back of the theater, above the projection booth is an LED reader board that scrolls the text of the subtitles in backwards letters. A deaf person is given a mirror on a gooseneck, with a base that snaps into the cup holder. You sit down, install your mirror on your seat, put it in a comfortable position and angle it to reflect the subtitles at you. Genius... and something you just might be able to build yourself.