Welcome
Austin Area Arts is committed to providing equal opportunities for people with disabilities to participate and enjoy a wide range of program offerings. If you need a disability-related accommodation for a program, performance, or special event, please contact us at 507-434-0934 or via e-mail to info@austinareaarts.org
Disability-related Auxiliary Aids and Services
Our staff are prepared to provide auxiliary aids and services for our participants and theatre patrons with disabilities. Auxiliary aids and services may include assistive listening devices, sign language interpreters, captioning, audio description, large print, braille, adaptive art supplies, or modified instructions. Please contact our staff at the time of registration so that we discuss your specific needs and have the accommodation ready for your arrival at the program.
Austin ArtWorks Center
The accessible parking and accessible entrance to the ArtWorks Center is located at the back of the building. Access the parking lot from 2nd Ave NE or 3rd Ave NE. The retail gallery space is located on the first floor. An elevator is available for access to the galleries and classroom space on the second floor and the Clay Cavern on the lower level.
Historic Paramount Theatre
The Paramount Theatre was constructed in 1929 as a first-run movie theater and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Due to its historic design and current condition, the theater has limited physical access. While plans are in development to improve access, it is important for patrons to know the current accessibility conditions in advance of arrival and note that our staff will make every effort to ensure you have an enjoyable experience. There are wheelchair accessible seating locations that are held open on a first come basis for people with mobility impairments using assistive devices. There are no accessible restrooms in the theater. The closest available usable restrooms are located in the annex to the theater. Ushers are available to escort patrons to the annex restrooms upon request.
Assistive listening systems are available at the Paramount Theatre for patrons who are hard of hearing. The system helps to overcome background noise, reverberation and distance from the sound source. Two options are available: a neckloop for patrons with t-coil enabled hearing aids or a portable receiver with earphone amplification.
If you already wear a t-coil enabled hearing aid, we offer a neckloop and receiver which is about the size of a pack of cards. The neckloop will connect via bluetooth to your hearing aid, and the receiver allows you to control the volume. The sound mix from the Paramount’s sound system will transmit directly to your hearing aid.
For those who are more technologically inclined, you have the option to download the WaveCAST Listening App (available on iOS & Android) and use your smart phone to connect to your hearing aid and control the volume. In that case the receiver is not necessary.
If you do not wear a hearing aid, we offer an earphone and receiver which is about the size of a pack of cards. The earphone mounts on your outer ear and is controlled by the receiver. The sound mix from the Paramount’s sound system will transmit directly to your ear. All neckloops, earphones and receivers are sanitized after each use.
Sensory Friendly Showings at the Paramount Theatre
Sometimes a movie is more fun when the lights are turned up and the sound is turned down. Our patrons with autism, sensory and other neurodivergent disabilities are invited to attend sensory friendly showings. During these showings the lights are turned up slightly (dim lights will remain on) and the sound is turned slightly down and our guests are able to freely express themselves, talk, sing, shout, get up, walk around, and even dance.
Service Animals
Service dogs are welcome at all Austin Area Arts programs. It is the expectation that the service dog will be kept under the handler’s control and shall not disrupt programs, performances, or showings. Upon entry, staff may ask patrons for credible assurance the animal is a service dog and the nature of the disability-related service the animal is trained to perform. It should be noted that emotional support, therapy, comfort, and companion dogs, and dogs in training to be service dogs are not considered service dogs under the guidelines of the ADA and therefore not permitted in programs, performances, or showings.
Personal Care Attendants
People with disabilities are invited to participate in Austin Area Arts programs with their personal care attendant. A Personal Care Attendant (PCA) is a professional who provides assistance to individuals with disabilities such as personal hygiene, eating, toileting, transferring, safe movement, maintaining continence, and/or medication management. Usually, the PCA receives compensation for the PCA’s services, and the PCA is professionally licensed as a home health aide. The PCA’s attendance at a program may be necessary to enable the individual with a disability to participate in programs, services, or activities. The PCA is not a program participant and shall not participate in the program, service, or activity separate and apart from their client. Attendance by a PCA will be determined on a case-by-case, or program-by-program basis. For registration in Austin Area Arts programs, the program participant should indicate they will be accompanied by a PCA at the time of registration. Staff will evaluate if the caregiver is attending a program to support the person with a disability, or if the caregiver attending for their own benefit which may require registration and the requisite registration/admission fee. Where a PCA may be present in youth programs, a background check may be required. If the program participant or the PCA has misrepresented the purpose of the PCA or the PCA has acted as a patron as opposed to a PCA, the PCA and the guest may be expelled from the program. For additional questions on this policy, feel free to contact our ADA Coordinator at 507-434-0934.
Questions and Complaints
Your feedback is essential to the success of Austin Area Arts. If you have a question or concern about access to our programs or facilities, please contact our ADA Coordinator at 507-434-0934 or email us at info@austinareaarts.org