Let’s talk about Access

This image designed by @adventuresindeafed really impacted me so much. Take a look at what it’s like for a deaf person who has “access” versus a hearing person’s access.

Designed by @adventuresindeafed

Let’s compare the two, we’re going to use the Super Bowl as an example. I’ll share another example as well!

Hearing people’s access to the Super Bowl is to simply turn on the TV.

Deaf people’s access consists of the following

1. If they’re attending the Super Bowl at a hearing person’s house, it’s likely they have to go through the hoops of figuring out how to turn on the captions. (Happens to me all the time).

2. This year, we had ASL performers which means we needed to have a second device such as a cellphone, tablet or computer.

3. Download the network app.

4. Register using your cable provider (You’re shit out of luck if you don’t have cable…)

5. Search for the ASL performances

6. Experience delays & slow connections

Despite having access, we have to jump through so many hoops to gain this so-called easy access? How could this be even more simplified?

Utilize picture in picture. this has existed for so many years, why is it so difficult to have it every time? This would involve just turning on the tv, and seeing the ASL performers in the box on the screen. That’s more equal access than the 6 steps above.

What about access to an event such as a concert or a theater?

Let’s look at what my experience is like for wanting to attend a concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

1. Tickets go on sale.

2. Look to see if they have accessible seats available - these usually are for the ones in wheelchairs. That’s not a right fit for me.

3. Go to Merriweather’s website and look for any accessibility information. (usually I can find this information in the FAQ’s).

4. The information is found in the FAQ’s but it’s not highlighted at all nor does it talk about requesting for an interpreter.
   Patrons requesting special accommodations for medications and medical devices should contact the venue, 410-715-5550 or info@merriweathermusic.com in advance, or speak to the Security Supervisor at their gate of entry.

5. I take a gamble and give them a call at the number that is provided. When I get ahold of someone, it is HIGHLY likely I’ll be put on hold because they need the right person who knows what to do with interpreted seats. It’s also likely that I get transferred at least ONCE.

6. Once I get the right person on the other line, I’ll purchase tickets. I explain that I’ll need an ASL interpreter for a specific show. They usually only let me buy 2 tickets, maybe 4 if I’m lucky. I share my credit card information and mailing address. And finally wrap up the call.

7. At this point, I can only hope they either email me a confirmation of purchasing the tickets & then I get it in the mail.

This happens EVERY time I want to attend a concert. There are concerts where the venue is not responsible and I have to deal with this by going through the Ticket Master website — that is even a longer ordeal. Meanwhile most people just have to hop on a website, choose their seats and purchase their tickets right then and there.

Now when it comes to a show at the theater such as The Kennedy Center or a broadway show in NYC. I often am limited to specific times & days for interpreted shows, or captioned shows. The process now is a bit easier, but I don’t have the freedom to decide that I want to go see a show this week and buy tickets.

So next time you want to complain about access, make sure you think about my experience of attending a concert or a broadway show. Or even when I travel somewhere… you have it that MUCH easier.