Artscape is delighted to officially launch the assistive listening system known as the “Loop System” for the hearing impaired .
Installed by the Western Cape Government the hearing loop is an assistive listening system that provides access to facilities for those who experience hearing loss and use a hearing aid. It takes a sound source and transfers it directly to a hearing aid without background noise, interference or acoustic distortion. Thus the hearing impaired will now be able to experience a world class production event like any other patron.
The system serves the Opera House, Theatre Auditorium, Arena, Innovation Lounge and the Chandelier Foyer, making it one of only three theatres in South Africa including the Lyric Theatre (Gold Reef City) and Teatro (Montecasino) that offers this service to the up to 4 million hearing impaired persons in South Africa.
Today’s launch coincides with World Polio Day, which is being organized in partnership with Rotarians of District 9350, LIVEABLE, Unmute Dance Company, Gender Works, and the Western Cape Network on Disability. World Polio Day aims to eradicate this affliction and highlight the support, resources, and care that polio survivors need to live sustainable lives.
Artscape, as an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, believes that mainstreaming accessibility is a powerful tool to show accessibility in action as per Government regulations.
Artscape also has other accessibility features and initiatives such at the carpet for the visually impaired, food and beverage accessibility services, and the comfort room.
To access the loop system, Activate the telecoil on your hearing device and adjust the volume