Accessible shows in the Hunter: Companion Card, hearing loops and step-free seats
What to ask for, and how, when you book a show with a disability, a hearing aid, a wheelchair or a child who needs to know what to expect. With what Cessnock's Vincent Street theatre offers, in its own words.
Each venue sets its own access arrangements; always confirm yours with the venue's box office when you book.
The NSW Companion Card
The NSW Companion Card is a NSW Government program for people with significant and permanent disability who have a lifelong need for attendant care support in the community. At participating venues and events, the cardholder's support person gets in free. The NSW Government says that to be eligible you must have a significant and permanent disability, be unable to take part in most community activities without attendant care support, and be an Australian citizen or permanent resident living in NSW. Applications go through Service NSW.
At Cessnock's Vincent Street theatre, the venue says Companion Card holders pay the concession rate where there is one and the carer enters free, and the card must be shown when booking or collecting tickets.
Booking accessible seats
Wheelchair spaces and companion seats usually cannot be booked online, because the box office needs to hold the right seat together. At the Vincent Street theatre, accessible seating requests go through the box office ((02) 4993 4266 or its email), and the venue suggests people with mobility concerns book the stalls, as the tiered section is up a staircase.
What to tell the box office: whether you need a wheelchair space or a seat with no stairs, how many people are with you, whether you will bring an assistance dog, and whether you need a seat near the hearing loop or the exits.
Hearing
Many theatres have an induction hearing loop that hearing aids with a T-switch can pick up. The Vincent Street theatre lists one in its auditorium. Ask the box office where the loop works best when you book.
Getting in
The Vincent Street theatre lists ramps to its entrances, lifts inside, accessible toilets on both floors, a wheelchair lift to the stage, and four accessible parking spaces in its free car park off Cumberland Street. Guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs are welcome.
Social stories and relaxed visits
A social story walks a first-time visitor through what will happen: arriving, finding a seat, the lights going down, the interval. The Vincent Street theatre publishes social stories for a theatre visit and a gallery visit as free downloads. Some shows also run relaxed performances, with house lights left low, sound turned down and freedom to move around; venues list these on the show's own page.
Common questions
What is the Companion Card in NSW?
A NSW Government card for people with significant and permanent disability who need attendant care to take part in the community. At participating venues the support person enters free.
Who is eligible for a NSW Companion Card?
The NSW Government says you must have a significant and permanent disability, be unable to take part in most community activities without lifelong attendant care support, and be an Australian citizen or permanent resident living in NSW.
Can I book wheelchair seats online?
Often not. At the Vincent Street theatre, accessible seating must be requested through the box office.
Does the Cessnock theatre have a hearing loop?
Yes. The venue lists an induction hearing loop in its auditorium, compatible with T-switch hearing aids.