The new technology line-up includes two personal captioning devices from USL Inc. for people who are Deaf or hearing impaired. The first is a closed caption (CC) screen, where patrons can view captions on a small separate screen mounted to their cinema seat on a flexible neck. The second is a set of glasses that display captions as a hologram via infrared energy. Both systems are private, so no other patron will view the captions.
Furthermore, for people who are hearing impaired and just require an augmented soundtrack to properly follow the movie, an assistive listening device is available to use. This same device can also receive audio description for moviegoers who are vision impaired or blind.
All three systems allow users to enjoy the movie from any seat in the cinema.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, the Arts Centre General Manager Destry Puia and Kerry Campbell from Better Hearing Gold Coast have trialled the new accessible technologies on offer, each of which are set to improve cinema access for thousands of Gold Coast residents and visitors.
Destry Puia has commented on the use of technology to improve cinema access for patrons with disabilities. “This means that our loyal guests can sit in any seat in the cinema, use the receivers and enjoy themselves.”
City of Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate, who will be at the Arts Centre to endorse the latest products, said, “I congratulate the Arts Centre for investing in this equipment and know it will greatly enhance the experience many residents enjoy when attending the theatre here at Evandale.
“This is our City’s Accessible and Inclusive Action Plan at work. As Mayor, I am determined to ensure our community’s most vulnerable residents have equitable access to the services and facilities our City offers.”
Captioned cinema sessions are listed on the Arts Centre Gold Coast website with a CC icon, and the new technology on offer is subject to availability. You can learn more by checking available session times via the website, or contacting the box office staff for information on accessible sessions.
You may also like:
- Current technologies used for cinema access including closed captioning systems, access glasses, disc systems and more.
- Advice on what to do at the cinema, covering the use of captioning and audio description equipment.
- How to find accessible movie sessions online using the major Australian cinema websites.
- Our guide to finding accessible trailers online with captions and audio description.
Top of page