Information for Patrons and Visitors who are Blind or have Low Vision
Alternative Formats | Audio Description | Curb to Seat Service
èßäAVstrives to make its performances and facilities accessible to all our patrons.
For additional information or if you have questions, need assistance, or an accommodation not mentioned below, please contact the Office of Accessibility at (202) 416-8727 or [email protected].
Alternate Formats
Large print programs are available at all performances. Braille programs are available at all performances with the exception of dance. Both large print and Braille may be obtained from the head usher or ticket taker.
Other Kennedy Center print materials will be made available in alternate formats upon request with at least two weeks' notice. To request a document in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Office at (202) 416-8727 or [email protected].
Audio Description
Audio description is scheduled for select Kennedy Center events throughout the year. Using a single earpiece connected to an infrared headset, patrons listen to trained audio describers give live, verbal descriptions of actions, costumes, scenery, and other visual elements of a performance. Audio describers start pre-show notes approximately 15 minutes before the performance begins.
Patrons who wish to listen to the description must pick up a headset. Headsets are distributed free-of-charge on a first-come, first-served basis from the:
- Hall of States ALD Desk for the Opera House and Eisenhower Theater; approximately one hour prior to performances;
- Hall of Nations coatroom for the Concert Hall; approximately one hour prior to performances; and
- entrances to the Terrace Theater, Theater Lab, Millennium Stage, Terrace Gallery, and Family Theater approximately 30 minutes prior to performances.
Search our calendar for a complete list of upcoming audio-described performances, or contact the Accessibility Office at 202-416-8727 or [email protected].
To purchase tickets for audio described performances, please contact Instant Charge at 202-467-4600 or visit www.kennedy-center.org.
To receive free monthly notices about upcoming audio-described events, please log in to your Kennedy Center account and update your contact preferences or send your name, mailing address, and e-mail address to [email protected] with “Subscribe Audio Description Alerts” in the subject line.
èßäAValso offers audio description upon request. Requests to audio describe non-designated events must be received at least two weeks prior to the event by the Accessibility Office at (202) 416-8727 or [email protected]. These requests are subject to the availability of a describer and are provided at the discretion of the management.
Curb to Seat Service
Kennedy Center door attendants are available starting one hour before performances begin to assist patrons in getting from the front of the building to the theaters. Once at the theater, Access Ushers are available to assist patrons to their seats.
Please note: Door attendants are not available after performances and may not be available prior to Millennium Stage performances. Staff, volunteers, door attendants, and ushers are not able to assist patrons in transferring to or from a wheelchair, theater seat or vehicle; operate motorized mobility aids such as scooters and Segways; or to provide personal attendant services such as assisting patrons in the restroom, with taking medications, or with similar activities. Ushers are not permitted to accompany patrons into the parking garage