Access Hub

ASL Interpreted Performances 

ASL interpreted performances are specifically designed to provide access to performances for audience members who are d/Deaf and/or hard of hearing. These performances feature Deaf interpreters/performers who interpret all dialogue into American Sign Language (ASL) in real time, either on stage or to the side of the stage. Each ASL interpreted performance will have an ASL interpreter as the Front of House Access Manager to support patrons as needed and answer any questions in ASL, along with ASL volunteers who can also provide information and guidance. 

ASL Interpreted Performances: 

Age is a Feeling 

June 5 – 8 PM 

HOME 

June 14 – 8 PM 

360 Allstars 

June 15 – 7 PM 

Luminato in the Square 

June 7 - Elder Duke, Jeremy Dutcher 

June 9 - Rocky Dawuni, K’Naan 

June 16 - The Disability Collective, Haviah Mighty, Big Freedia 

Non-text Based Performances 

These performances or works do not feature interpretation, but do not use audible text as part of the work (there is no speaking). 

Afrikan Party 

Dancer of the Year 

Ghost Days: Dance 

Evanescent 

I Am From Reykjavik 

SPACED 

Hearing Assist 

Some venues have Hearing Assist devices available, which are personal listening devices that connect to the theatre’s sound system to allow the patron to listen via headphones at an increased volume. 

Venues with Hearing Assist Devices 

Bluma Appel Theatre 

Michael Young Theatre 

Young People’s Theatre 

Koerner Hall 

To book Hearing Assist devices, contact Emily Maxwell at (437) 776-1569‬ or emaxwell@luminato.com. 

Live Audio Described Performances 

At an audio described performance, audience members can listen to a description of the visual aspects of the performance described live through a small radio receiver. It is a narration with descriptions of the key visual elements, such as the setting, character descriptions, body language, and other key details that benefit blind and low-vision audiences. Audio description extends beyond the show itself with introductory notes before a performance starts, which include contextual information, the organization of the performance, a description of the cast and costumes, and relevant parts of the program such as credits and/or brief background information. Every Audio Described performance will have Sighted Guides available to support patrons with navigation throughout the venue and specially trained Front of House Access Managers to hand out devices and offer support as needed. 

Audio Described Performances: 

Age is a Feeling 

June 6 – 8 PM 

Dancer of the Year 

June 7 – 7 PM 

Afrikan Party 

June 9 – 2 PM 

Nathaniel Dett Chorale 

June 11 – 8 PM 

HOME 

June 14 – 8 PM 

360 Allstars 

June 15 – 7 PM 

To reserve audio description devices and/or request specific seating arrangements, contact Emily Maxwell at (437) 776-1569‬ or emaxwell@luminato.com. 

Pre-Recorded Verbal Descriptions 

Recorded descriptions by Superior Description Services will be available for select arts installations throughout Luminato. 

Available Recorded Descriptions: 

Dance 

Evanescent 

SPACED 

Radio LUMI:

Radio LUMI provides exclusive content of Luminato Festival Toronto, with live-from-location reporting, behind-the-scenes content, audio descriptions of festival programs, artist interviews, and deep dives into each Festival event, as well as other exciting content created by members of the blind and low vision community, along with two audio describers. 

Radio LUMI 

Relaxed Performances 

Relaxed performances are open to everyone, but the environment has been specifically adapted for those who are neurodivergent and may experience sensory sensitivities, folks with communication or learning disabilities, and people who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. Every Relaxed Performance will have a dedicated quiet area for folks who may need a break from the show, and specially trained Front of House Access Managers to support patrons as needed. 

Relaxed Performances 

Afrikan Party  

June 8 – 2 PM  

To request specific seating arrangements, contact Emily Maxwell at (437) 776-1569‬ or emaxwell@luminato.com. 

Sensory-Friendly Performances 

At shows where we are unable to offer a relaxed performance, we will strive to create an environment that is sensory-friendly.  Sensory-Friendly performances have been specifically designed to ensure that technical elements of a show are not overwhelming or overstimulating to folks with sensory sensitives.  In addition to relaxed technical elements including lighting and sound, audience members can use the designated quiet space provided at each venue. 

Sensory-Friendly Performances 

Age is a Feeling 

HOME 

360 Allstars 

Dancer of the Year 

To request specific seating arrangements, contact Emily Maxwell at (437) 776-1569‬ or emaxwell@luminato.com. 

On Site Access Features 

Every venue will feature an access kit at Front of House with the following items:

• Large print materials 
• Magnifying sheets 
• Earplugs 
• Fidget and sensory toys 
• Printed Access & Venue Guides 
• Whiteboards and markers 
• Name tags

The Access Tent at Luminato in the Square will also feature weighted lap pads and cooling blankets. Please review our Access and Venue Guides for more information.

Luminato Festival Toronto ensures that its venues are as physically accessible as possible.  

To book accessible seating, contact Emily Maxwell at (437) 776-1569‬ or emaxwell@luminato.com. 

2024 Access & Venue Guides:

Access Guides provide content descriptions of Luminato programs, including available accessibility features. Access Guides are useful for neurodiverse audiences and anyone who benefits from detailed context.  

Venue Guides will help prepare you for your visit to one of our venues. They include written directions to the venue, photos of the venue, and a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the building. 

2024 Access & Venue Guides

Accessible Seating Requests 

We encourage booking tickets prior to June 1, 2024. Seat holds are limited although we will always do our best to accommodate your request. Accessible seats will be sold at the lowest price in the house for that performance. 

To discuss your access requirements, make bookings, or give us feedback, please contact Access Concierge, Emily Maxwell at (437) 776-1569‬ or emaxwell@luminato.com.   

Companion Tickets 

Luminato Festival Toronto is happy to provide a complimentary ticket for support persons. Please contact Access Concierge, Emily Maxwell at (437) 776-1569‬ or emaxwell@luminato.com to assist with your booking. 

Accredited service animals are always welcome on our premises. Guide dogs or other service animals, including service animals in training, can accompany patrons on any premises that are open to the public. If you are planning to bring a service animal to a performance, please advise the Box Office representative when you purchase your tickets so that an appropriate seat can be assigned to you. 

If you are bringing a service animal, we recommend that you review any audience advisories about special effects that may affect your service animal during the performance (i.e., loud noise, lighting effects, other animals, etc.). This information may not be known at the time of booking but can be confirmed by our Box Office staff and/or on-site Front of House staff closer to the date of your performance. 

Luminato is working hard to bring accessibility into the centre of what we do and we know this is a deep process which requires a long-term commitment. We are looking from every angle, inside and out, at how to change the way we work. Our internal programs include biweekly Lunch & Learn sessions, ASL lessons, as well as regular consultation with our advisory to offer feedback on office design, website functionality, artistic processes, training, and more. We are committed to hiring more Disabled staff and artists. We are committed to creating transparency with Radio LUMI’s behind-the-scenes podcasts and the expanding Access Hub. We are excited to share the work we’re doing and to keep growing in our commitments. 

As per the Government of Ontario’s AODA standards, beginning January 1, 2021, all public websites and web content posted after January 1, 2012 must meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA other than criteria 1.2.4 (live captions) and 1.2.5 (pre-recorded audio descriptions). Our new website launched in March 2021 with new accessibility features. The testing began in fall 2020 with assistance from members of our advisory and other Disabled experts in the field. We strive to create content that exceeds the minimum standards required by law.  

Luminato has made a 10-year financial commitment towards the creation of a cash prize for emerging Accessibility consultants. Read TAPA’s press release explaining the story behind this new award created in honour of Christine Karcza.   

In memory of Christine Karcza 

Luminato honours the memory of Christine Karcza  (1950- 2020), our long-term accessibility consultant.  As a staunch advocate for better accessibility practices, she set Luminato on our path towards meaningful inclusion. She was treasured by the community and is deeply missed.  

Your feedback helps us continue to improve our access programs and services. We welcome your comments as we strive to expand our accessibility offerings. Please contact Emily Maxwell at emaxwell@luminato.com or (437) 776-1569.

Working with local productions to increase their accessibility for our community, Luminato is excited to present a series of in association projects as a part of this year's festival.   

This years In Association Productions include: 

Age is a Feeling 

Written and performed by Haley McGee, Soulpepper presents the Soho Theatre and Haley McGee Production in association with Luminato Festival Toronto. 

R.A.V.E 

Produced by Outside the March and The R.A.V.E. Institute in association with Luminato Festival Toronto. 

Luminato Festival Toronto is proud to offer a turn-key solution for local production’s access needs. Working closely with our Access Advisory and Access team, our services will help organizations reach more audiences by providing accessibility consultation and incorporating select access initiatives.  

To learn more and to potentially partner with Luminato Festival Toronto in the future to make your practices more inclusive, contact access@luminato.com.