Accessibility

Van Wezel Accessibility Statement

To ensure the arts are accessible to all—from children to older adults—we make Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall performances and facilities accessible to all audiences, and provide accommodations, resources, programs, and opportunities for people with disabilities who wish to engage with our services. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities.

Effective Communication: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will, upon request, provide auxiliary aids and services leading to effective communication and engagement for people with disabilities, including qualified sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, audio description, and other ways of making our performances accessible to people who have speech, hearing, or vision impairments.

Modifications to Policies and Procedures: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will make reasonable modifications to policies and procedures to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy programs, services, and activities. For example, people with service animals are welcomed in the Hall, even where pets and other animals are prohibited.

Requests: To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a modification of policies or procedures, contact our ADA Coordinator, Jake Brown, as soon as possible but no less than 3 days before the activity or event. Jake can be reached at 941-263-6299, or emailed at Jake.Brown@sarasotafl.gov

Complaints: Send complaints to our ADA Coordinator, Jake Brown. Jake can be reached at 941-263-6299, or Jake.Brown@sarasotafl.gov

Accessible Services

For the deaf and hearing impaired:

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall was the first theater in Sarasota to install the revolutionary Hearing Loop System for those who suffer from hearing loss, thanks to financial support from Sertoma Sarasota. The hearing loop is the only system that transmits performers' voices from a microphone directly into hearing aids or cochlear implants equipped with telecoils, allowing wearers to use hearing aids as wireless loudspeakers. This system complements the existing Sennheiser Infrared Listening System.
Wireless headsets can be used at any seat in the auditorium and are available in both the Main and Bayside Lobbies.
Sign language interpreters are available upon request through the box office.
Captioning to a personal device upon request.

For those with mobility limitations:

Patrons in wheelchairs may enter through automatic doors in both Main and Bayside lobbies on ground level (no stairs).
Accessible parking is available on the circle in front of the building and in the main parking lot. Cars must have the necessary identification to qualify for these special arrangements.
Patrons with mobility issues can be accommodated in restrooms off both lobbies.
There is a wheelchair on the premises for emergency use, thanks to the generosity of Easter Seals.
Accessible seating in rows 12 and 26.
Elevator access throughout the building.

For those with sensory needs:

Fidget spinners are available upon request in both lobbies at the information podium.
Noise canceling headphones for adults and children are available upon request in both lobbies at the information podium.
Social stories available for children - email vanwezeledu@sarasotafl.gov for access.

Web Accessibility Statement

As part of our ongoing commitment to provide access and opportunity to a diverse community, the Van Wezel is dedicated to providing accessible digital content and resources to ensure all people with disabilities have equal opportunity to access and utilize our information. We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of the Van Wezel website. Please let us know if you encounter any barriers or if you have suggestions on how we might improve the accessibility by contacting us by phone 941-263-6731 or by email at vwinfo@sarasotafl.gov.