Resolution 24-17: EASY ACCESS THEATER
| Number | 24-17 |
| Description | Requests that the Fine Arts building be made more accessible to those who are handicapped in any and all aspects |
| Authored by |
Trevor C. McCullough |
| Sponsored by |
Austin Palacios |
| Date Submitted | Tuesday, October 15, 2024 |
| Date Considered | Monday, January 1, 0001 |
| Committee | Community Affairs |
| Result | n/a |
| Remarks | |
| Whereas | The University of Texas at Arlington’s fine arts program is renowned for its productions and academic quality, however while visiting a United States institution of Theater Technology conference, the assistant to the scenic studio supervisor Olivia Gforer was approached by many people decrying the inaccessibility of UTAs theater, architecture, performances and academic programs; and, |
| Whereas | the fine arts as a source of income and education should not be exclusive by any means, especially the ability to enjoy a show; and, |
| Whereas | Getting into a show can be difficult as the ticket booth of the theater is not accessible to wheelchair users, the only accessible points of entry are the main stage doors which are locked unless there is a live production and there are no restrooms within the main theater building that meet the standards of the Americans with disability act, moreover there is only one universal lift in the building with only one staff member having the operation key, who is not always there; and, |
| Whereas | there are only 2 assistive hearing devices, which are out of date, and there is not always an ASL interpreter at the productions of the shows and the sensory assistive bags are missing items, like light dimming googles, and other necessary devices that assist those more sensitive to stimulation in enjoying the show; and, |
| Be It Further Resolved That | UTA takes strides in making the theater more accessible to patrons that pay to enjoy the show and any visitors to the theater; the university needs to look into options of remodel in which there are more ramps and/or universal lifts for those who use a wheelchair to get around, the lowering of the ticket booth so they can buy tickets, and installing bathrooms that meet today’s standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act; and, |
| Be It Further Resolved That | Closed captioning devices are provided for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, Touch Tours- tours that allow blind or low vision audience members can explore the stage and props for better a better experience- Braille, Large Print, and High Contrast programs and flyers are provided in similar proportion to other forms of communication, ASL Interpreters be provided for no additional cost at every show, which may be staffed by students or faculty in the ASL & Deaf Studies Minor and/or those who can prove fluency in American Sign Language; and the University provides suitable items for the sensory bags that are available for every show that occurs in the theater. |