Open Captioning is an option for people who have hearing loss, where a captioning screen displaying the words that are spoken or sung is placed on stage. For SAL events, in addition to our on-stage captioning screen, we also provide a URL to stream captions directly to your phone for easier reading.
For in-person events, this option is already present at events that take place in Benaroya Hall, S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium and at Town Hall Seattle. Contact us with any questions at boxoffice@lectures.org or 206.621.2230×10.
For online events, captions will always automatically be offered. Instructions on how to use the captions feature will be sent to you in your pre-event emails.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are devices that people with hearing loss use in conjunction with their hearing device (hearing aids or cochlear implants). These are available at all our event venues:
Benaroya Hall has an infrared hearing system, which transmits sound by light beams. Headsets are available in The Boeing Company Gallery coat check and the Head Usher stations in both lobbies.
Town Hall Seattle has a hearing loop system, so you can switch your T-coil hearing aid to telecoil to have the stage’s microphones transmitted directly to your hearing aids or cochlear implants. To pick up a headset, check in with any Town Hall usher when you arrive.
Rainier Arts Center has headsets that can be worn. To pick up a headset, check one out at the Box Office table by the main entrance when you arrive.
Sign Language Interpretation is available upon request for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals.
To reserve sign language interpretation, select this option from our accessibility menu during ticket checkout, or contact us directly to make arrangements at boxoffice@lectures.org or 206.621.2230×10. Please note: we appreciate a two-week advance notice to allow us time to secure interpretation services.
Wheelchair Accessible Seating or Alternative Seating Options and Accessible Restrooms are available in all sections at our venues, and our venues are fully accessible to ticket holders with physical mobility concerns. Guide and service dogs are also welcome.
To reserve seating options, select this option from our accessibility menu during ticket checkout, or contact us directly to make arrangements at boxoffice@lectures.org or 206.621.2230×10.
Benaroya Hall has designated parking spaces adjacent to elevators in their parking garage. Elevators with Braille signage go to all levels within the Hall. A unisex restroom is also available. At every event at Benaroya Hall, we welcome you to use the “ADA/Student” entrance to the far left of the lobby doors for priority entrance. For more details on the hall’s accessibility features, click here.
Town Hall Seattle recommends that visitors use the 8th Avenue Entrance for events in the Great Hall, and elevators with Braille signage go to all levels within the Hall. The venue has 18 all-gender restrooms, as well as ADA-accessible restrooms on the lobby and Forum level. For more details on accessibility features, click here.
Rainier Arts Center has ADA ramp access from their parking lot and there is an outdoor wheelchair lift that can be used to enter the building. The auditorium has reserved areas for wheelchairs. Please contact the SAL Box Office in advance if you would like to use the ADA ramps so we can make sure to best accommodate your needs.