The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts is making some of its historic theatres more accessible for people with sensory sensitivities.
Several of CAPA's theatres have been certified with Kulture City, a nonprofit focused on inclusion and accessibility for people with sensory needs. It’s part of CAPA’s larger effort, “Project Access,” which looks at improving all types of accessibility at all of the venues CAPA manages.
“These are community spaces. They belong to the public and we want everyone to feel welcome and safe while they're visiting us,” said Jason Gay, CAPA’s Vice President of Operations.
The Ohio Theatre, Palace Theater, Southern Theatre, Lincoln Theatre, McCoy Center for the Arts and the Riffe Center’s Davidson Theatre and studios now have designated quiet zones and specially-trained staff. The new zones are denoted with signs.
Anyone who gets overwhelmed during a show can grab a free sensory bag with headphones and fidget tools.
“We can give them headphones, we can give them fidget tools. We can offer up a quiet space for them to help them navigate that and still enjoy the show and enjoy the time that they're in the venue,” Gay said. “The sensory bags are well-received by children in particular who are overwhelmed by loud noises. But also, some adults have taken advantage of them.”
CAPA’s overall "Project Access" looks to make other updates to the historic venues. CAPA has already added a gender-neutral restroom, nursing rooms and a universal changing table in the Ohio Theatre.
Gay said, however, that sometimes updating the space is complicated. He said when theatres like The Ohio were built in the 1920s, they didn’t account for people with disabilities or different needs.
"Because we're dealing with historic spaces that are already built and are landlocked, we have to be creative when we're looking at ways to modify them to meet the needs of the current community,” Gay said. “It’s an ongoing effort.”
Gay said CAPA appreciates feedback from the community, which can be done on CAPA’s website.
