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Williams Sound News Release

Theaters Across the Country Adopt Assistive Technology to Accommodate the Hearing and Visually Impaired

MINNEAPOLIS - Pressure from consumers and advocacy groups for the hard of hearing and visually impaired has resulted in the installation of hundreds of new assistive listening systems in movie theaters across the U.S.

In a recent USA Today article (full story), it has been reported that the state of New York has approved agreements to provide 140 theaters with such assistive listening systems.  In the past 5 years, it is estimated that over 240 U.S. theaters have installed such technology.

Since the American’s with Disabilities Act was enacted in 1992, public facilities have been required to provide basic accommodations for people with disabilities, the intent being to provide “equal access” to everyone in the public, removing the potential for discrimination and unequal treatment. Theaters have responded by making architectural changes for easier wheel chair access; and they installed infrared assistive technology to accommodate the hearing impaired.

These days,  “assistive” technology is defined more broadly in the eyes of the public: people want equal access to entertainment and educational services, no matter what their impairment or condition is. As a result of this advocacy, “assistive technology” is now being defined as an accommodation for the visually impaired as well.  The good news is that infrared technology has advanced to accommodate both the hard of hearing and the visually impaired customer, and it can do so simultaneously without any additional equipment to buy.  Theaters are quickly adopting this new technology, knowing they are opening up their doors to a larger audience. 

The two channel infrared system offered by Williams Sound directly with the cinema’s audio processor systems, such Dolby’s Screentalk®, for audio description.  As a result, movie participants (wearing wireless infrared headsets) can choose to listen to the entertainment for hearing assistance on one channel, or alternatively, audio description on the second channel – depending on their needs. 

It is a win-win situation for both the theater owner and movie participant.  Everyone in the movie-going family, despite their hearing or visual impairment, is able to enjoy the movie experience equally.  Customers are happier, and as a result, the theater sees more revenue by having returning customers. 

For more information on how Williams Sound two channel infrared equipment can be used for hearing assistance and audio description in theaters and other facilities, contact Williams Sound at 800-843-3544.