It has actually been in our Appleton PAC since 2 years before COVID. This PAC has been exceptionally open to accommodating people with disabilities. It was built about 20 years ago and had a state of the art Infrared system from day one. When a loop was installed, the IR was turned into a system for people with low vision...offering a descriptive narration of what was happening on stage.

When this venue was being built, they formed an access committee that included people with a variety of special needs. It was a real front runner.

I will say (brag) that HLAA had a lot to do with this because we have been active in the community since the mid 80s. Had this not been the case, the hard of hearing population would likely have not been included in their accessibility efforts. HLAA can make a big difference in a community even if the group is small. It's a matter of educating people who are willing to listen. Most community 'movers and shakers' who develop places that feature cultural arts are interested in including everyone...if they know what is needed. I'm sure they were on top of GALAPRO from the time it was available. I know it was the first PAC in Wisconsin that had the technology....same for IR and HL. GalaPro is only available for the Broadway productions that come in, so I think it is provided by them at a cost to the PAC.

Yep...we are rather proud of what this very invisible disability population has been able to do. 🙂