Wheelchair seating, courtesy wheelchairs, companion seating, and wheelchair accessible parking in the Center garage have been on the docket for the many venues at the Denver Center for Performing Arts (DCPA) for a number of years. New efforts to reach those with hearing challenges have grown more recently with the addition of American Sign Language (ASL) and open-captioning performances, in addition to assistive listening devices which can be secured with an ID at most performances. For those with vision impairments audio-description is available for certain performances, describing the production’s visual aspects. Programs in Braille and large print are also available for loan upon request and secured with an ID. The website provides links to performances that offer ASL, open-captioning and audio-description.
The play, Well, currently on stage at the Ricketson Theater, includes ASL and audio-description services at the December 5, 2009 performance. The play explores the relationship between a daughter and her mother, who has disabilities.
DCPA also provides an Accessibility Handbook which offers a general description of accessible services, contact and ticketing information, and accessible tours.
In 2006, the Colorado Cross Disabilities Coalition brought suit against DCPA citing accessibility problems, particularly in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, which opened in 2005. In 2007 a settlement was reached, resulting in the replacement of wheelchair lifts in the Orchestra section, the addition of more wheelchair seating, and the removal of other identified barriers.
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Comments
Thanks for posting about our accessibility programs. The Denver Center is offering FIVE accessible performances this month. In addition to Well, we are offering A Christmas Carol (Dec 12 at 1:30pm), Spring Awakening (Dec 13 at 2pm), Absurd Person Singular (Dec 19 at 1:30pm) and LIttle House on the Prairie (Dec 27 at 2pm). Services vary per performance. Check when ordering at 303-893-4100.
And to clarify one item, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House is owned and operated by the City of Denver's Department of Theatres & Arenas - not The Denver Center for the Performing Arts. The accessibility question related to the Ellie was a dispute between Theatres & Arenas and the Cross Disabilities Coalition.
Thanks for re-clarifying what I spend a lot of time doing: the DCPA is NOT the DPAC of which all the 9 (or is it 10 ?) venues are part. It's a constant misstatement and even the Mayor and the Yellow Pages have been guilty. The Ellie Caulkins Opera House is proud to be part of the Denver Performing Arts Complex and a good neighbor to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Confused ?
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