August 22, 2025

Bringing Stories to Life: “Entertainment That Speaks to the Senses Beyond Sight”

Entertainment venues like theaters and museums are enhancing accessibility for blind and visually impaired audiences by incorporating specialized transcription services.  Partnering with organizations such as Horizons for the Blind, these venues are adopting Braille overlays, large-print materials, and immersive audio guides to meet ADA standards and support greater independence.  These tools enable visitors to experience performances and exhibits through tactile, auditory, and personalized formats – helping to close the gap in traditional visual-focused settings.

Selecting Accessibility Partners: Critical Criteria

When choosing the right accessibility partner for your project, it’s important that venues priorities providers with a deep understanding of accessibility standards.  Horizons for the Blind has the ability to deliver customized solutions like tactile labels or exhibit – specific audio tours.  Additional key factors to consider when selecting a vendor include:

• Technical Ability:  Ability to create broadcast-quality audio descriptions and durable, high-quality braille overlays.
• Security Protocols:  Strict adherence to HIPPA compliance and secure handling of sensitive donor or cultural content.
• Multilingual Capabilities:  Proven experience in producing Spanish Braille and multilingual audio transcription services.
• Quality Assurance:  Comprehensive proofreading, in-house user testing and visually impaired team members, and adherence to clear, consistent audio narration standards.

The Business Case for Accessibility

Neglecting accessibility can result in lost revenue from a dedicated audience: (potential graphic)

• Audience Demand: 65% prefer theaters over home viewing – double the general population. (inable.org)
• Group sales Potential:  Visitors with disabilities often attend with companions, amplifying tickets and concession revenue per visit.
• Competitive Disadvantage:  As entertainment venues, such as theaters, struggle with declining attendance, accessibility gaps worsen the “negative” feedback loop”.  Nonprofit models show community-focused theaters thrive by addressing niche needs, but most commercial chains lag in accessibility investments despite pledged upgrades.

Horizons for the Blind employs a team that includes blind, visually impaired, and sighted professionals, leveraging their expertise to deliver high-quality transcription and accessible media production.  Their services not only improve access to information but also foster equitable opportunities for participation in cultural and recreational activities such as theaters and museums.

By offering accessible formats to blind and visually impaired audience members,  entertainment venues nationwide can create environments where all visitors can engage with exhibits and events independently and with dignity.

Have Questions?  Give us a call 815.444.8800.  We’re here to help.

Email: mail@horizons-blind.org

Category: Resources