ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
We strive to make our performances, digital content, website, and facilities accessible to all people. If you have questions, need assistance, or require an accommodation not mentioned below, please call us at 212.967.7555 (voice) or accessibility@publictheater.org. In addition, please feel free to approach any staff member during your visit for support. We are here to help.
Patrons who are Blind or Have Low Vision
Patrons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Patrons who have Mobility Disabilities.
Accessible Entrances
All entrances to the building, theaters, and restaurants are accessible. Accessible paths for our venue seating areas vary per space and may require assistance from the staff. Please visit our Venue Accessibility page for additional details on each space.
If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility during your visit, please feel free to speak to a member of our staff upon arrival or email us in advance at accessibility@publictheater.org. Elevators operate between the basement and the third floor of the building. The Newman has a separate elevator used to access wheelchair-accessible seating.
Accessible Seating
All venues have wheelchair- and scooter-accessible locations where patrons can remain in their wheelchairs or transfer to theater seats. Patrons who cannot or do not wish to transfer from their wheelchairs to a theater seat should request wheelchair-accessible locations when ordering tickets. Wheelchair-accessible seating may be purchased by phone, in person, and online. For personal assistance selecting accessible seats or for more information about accessibility for a person with a disability, please call us at 212.967.7555 or email us at accessibility@publictheater.org.
Accessible Restrooms
All public restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Companion care restrooms are available by speaking to a member of our staff for assistance.
Courtesy Wheelchairs
At The Public and The Delacorte, courtesy wheelchairs, including bariatric and wheelchairs with elevating leg-rests, are available on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival. To request a wheelchair before your arrival, please email us at accessibility@publictheater.org or call us at 212.967.7555 for assistance at least 48 hours before you plan to attend a performance.
Patrons who do not usually use a wheelchair are encouraged to bring a friend or companion to assist them in maneuvering the wheelchair. Staff cannot leave their posts to assist patrons in moving around our locations.
Venue-Specific Accessibility At The Public
Patrons who have Intellectual Or Developmental Disabilities.
Social Narrative Guide
The Social Narrative Guide is aimed at helping prepare theatergoers of varied abilities for their visit to our theater and the subsequent show. A social narrative aims to prepare the theatre-goer for the experience, and possibly alleviate some anxieties or apprehension, by providing some predictability and possible choices for them to make when certain things happen.
Sensory Considerations for Performances
Production effects and content sensitivities vary from person to person, and we encourage you to contact us (info@publictheater.org or 212.967.7555) if you have questions about any production.
Sensory Adaptations Options
At the box office, staff can provide earplugs, noise-canceling headphones, and fidget toys. Please return the noise-canceling headphones after the performance.
Tips for Digital Content
Here are a few suggestions for viewing or listening to any of our digital content at home:
- Adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
- Pause recordings to take a break and return to them at any time.
- Adjust the brightness of your screen.
- Review the performance details for information about what to expect.
- Contact Audience Services at accessibility@publictheater.org or call 212.967.7555 (voice) with any questions.
PARTNERS IN ACCESSIBILITY.
Hands On
Hands On is a non-profit arts service organization whose mission is to provide access to New York’s vibrant arts and cultural mainstream for the Deaf and hard of hearing communities. Hands On has coordinated interpreted performances at the Delacorte Theatre since 1984 making possible access for thousands of Deaf and hard of hearing audiences to one of New York’s most iconic and exciting summer events.
TAP
TAP is an accessibility department within TDF, a not-for-profit service organization for the performing arts. Since 1979, TAP has sought to make theatre accessible, enjoyable and affordable to people with disabilities. The TAP audience is comprised of individuals of all ages who are hard of hearing, deaf, partially sighted, blind and on the autism spectrum, as well as people, who for medical reasons, cannot climb stairs, require aisle seating or use wheelchairs. TAP services include open captioned, sign language interpreted, audio described and autism-friendly performances.
YAI
YAI, yai.org, and its network of affiliate agencies offer children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a comprehensive range of services. YAI is committed to seeing beyond disability and providing opportunities for people to live, love, work, and learn in their communities.
Founded in 1957 as the Young Adult Institute, YAI remains at the forefront of an extraordinary movement aimed at empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. YAI has assumed responsibility for those originally served by the HAI organization and assisting those with disabilities in acquiring ADA Accessible tickets for Free Shakespeare in the Park.
If you are interested in reserving a ticket for yourself and one guest please contact:
by email: ufenninger@hainyc.org
by phone: 347.701.3114