Accessibility Services For TO Live Performances And Events Instructions

Accessibility services for TO Live performances and events

Statement of commitment to accessibility
TO Live is committed to providing a safe, dignified, and welcoming environment for everyone. We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive environment for all patrons, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any guests who use our programs, services, goods, information, or facilities. TO Live strives to meet the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equality of opportunity in all of our operations, and to meet the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

BUTTON: Read TO Live’s accessibility policy] [BUTTON: Read TO Live’s multi-year accessibility plan]

Venue accessibility

All venues have dedicated accessible seating locations, with seating available for patrons using mobility assistive devices (for example, wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or canes), those accompanied by support persons and/or service animals, or those with other access needs. For general accessibility questions, email [email protected].
To make appropriate seating arrangements, contact the box office when purchasing tickets. You can reach them by phone at 416-366-7723 or 1-800-708-6754 during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 1 pm to 6 pm), or by email at [email protected].
If you need help at any time during your visit, please speak with any uniformed member of our staff.

Meridian Hall

Fully accessible washrooms are located in the lower lobby and on the main floor of Meridian Hall. The mezzanine level has a larger private bathroom which may be suitable for some assistive devices.
Meridian Hall lobbies are accessible for patrons using wheelchairs or other mobility assistive devices. The mezzanine and lower lobby levels can be accessed via elevator from the main lobby. Balcony seating is accessible with a stair lift from the mezzanine level.
Meridian Hall has dedicated accessible seating locations on the orchestra and mezzanine levels, Accessibility Services at TO Live Performances and Events plus other seating suitable for patrons with limited mobility.
Please click here for the Meridian Hall venue guide.
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
Partially accessible stalls are available in the washrooms located on the orchestra level of both the Bluma Appel and Jane Mallett Theatres. Please note, there is no elevator at St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, and the upper lobbies are not accessible. TO Live is currently undertaking a major project to redevelop the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts which will provide radical accessibility for all patrons, artists, and staff.
Please click here to learn about this exciting project!
Jane Mallett Theatre:
The lower lobby of the Jane Mallett Theatre is accessible for patrons using wheelchairs or other mobility assistive devices. The Jane Mallett Theatre has dedicated accessible seating locations on the orchestra level, plus other seating suitable for patrons with limited mobility.
Please click here for the Jane Mallett Theatre venue guide.
Bluma Appel Theatre:
The lower lobby of the Bluma Appel Theatre is partially accessible for patrons using wheelchairs or other mobility assistive devices. The Bluma Appel Theatre has dedicated accessible seating locations in boxes 3 and 6, as well as on the orchestra level accessible by an attendant-operated lift found in the lower lobby, plus other seating suitable for patrons with limited mobility. Please click here for the Bluma Appel Theatre venue guide.
Meridian Arts Centre
Accessible washrooms are located on both levels of Meridian Arts Centre. The lower main lobby and orchestra levels of all four theatres and the Lower Gallery at Meridian Arts Centre are accessible for patrons using wheelchairs or other mobility assistive devices. The upper main lobby can be accessed via elevator from the lower main lobby.
Please click here for the Studio Theatre venue guide.
Please click here for the Greenwin Theatre venue guide.
Please click here for the Lyric Theatre venue guide.
Please click here for the George Weston Recital Hall venue guide.
Please click here for the Galleries venue guide.

Ordering tickets
Contact our box office staff directly by phone at 416-366-7723 or 1-800-708-6754 during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 1 pm to 6 pm), or by email at [email protected].

Accessible performances

TO Live is committed to providing an access guide and pre-show audio notes for every TO Live Presents performance. Many TO Live Presents events will also incorporate additional access measures at select performances, including audio description, ASL interpretation, captions, and relaxed performances. To learn more about the specific access measures available for TO Live Presents events, please visit the accessibility section on the individual show page or contact the box office. Occasional guest performances may incorporate additional access measures.
Access guides:
An access guide is a written resource that uses plain language to provide audiences, particularly neurodiverse audiences, with specific sensory details of programming in advance. In an access guide, you will learn about performance dates, times, accessible features, content information, lighting and sound advisories, and more. When available, access guides can be found in the accessibility section on individual show pages.
ASL interpreted performances:
ASL interpreted performances are specifically designed to provide access to performances for audience members who are d/Deaf and/or hard of hearing. These performances feature ASL-English and/or Deaf interpreters who interpret all dialogue into American Sign Language (ASL) in real time, either on stage or to the side of the stage.
Audio described performances:
At an audio described performance, audience members can listen to a description of the visual aspects of the performance described live through a small radio receiver. It is a narration with descriptions of the key visual elements, such as the setting, character descriptions, body language, and other key details that benefit blind and low-vision audiences. Audio description extends beyond the show itself with introductory notes before a performance starts, which include contextual information, the organization of the performance, a description of the cast and costumes, and relevant parts of the program such as credits and/or brief background information.
Pre-show audio notes:
Pre-show audio notes allow audience members to access the performance by giving detailed descriptions of elements such as the set, costumes, and props. These notes are pre-recorded and available in advance of the performance. When available, preshow audio notes can be found in the accessibility section on individual show pages.
Relaxed performances:
Relaxed performances are open to everyone, but the environment has been specifically adapted for those who are neurodivergent and may experience sensory sensitivities, folks with communication or learning disabilities, and people who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.
How to book audio description headsets or touch tours
Contact Nathan Sartore, Programming & Accessibility Coordinator, by phone at 416368-6161 ext. 7209, or 647-616-0446, or by email at [email protected].

Accessible parking

• Meridian Hall
  • Accessible parking is located in the Green P paid parking lot on The Esplanade (just south of Meridian Hall).
  • If you have an accessible parking permit, limited parking is available in the main driveway of Meridian Hall, on a first-come, first-served basis. For inquiries about accessible parking or to book an accessible spot, call 416-368-6161 ext. 7135.
  • Accessible entrance for pick-up and drop-off: front door
• Meridian Arts Centre o There is paid underground parking available at 5000 Yonge Street, with an accessible connection to Meridian Arts Centre via elevator and tunnel. The facility entrance is accessible off a side street from North York Boulevard.
  • Accessible entrance for pick-up and drop-off: front door
• St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
  • Accessible parking is located in the Green P paid parking lot on The Esplanade (just south of St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts).
  • If you have an accessible parking permit, limited parking is available in the main driveway of Meridian Hall (across the street from St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts), on a first-come, first-served basis. For inquiries about accessible parking or to book an accessible spot, call 416-368-6161 ext. 7135.
  • Accessible entrance for pick-up and drop-off: front door

Public transportation access

• Meridian Hall
  • 1 Front Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B2
  • TTC: Located one block east of Union Station or three blocks south of King Station
  • Accessible entrance for pick-up and drop-off: front door
• Meridian Arts Centre o 5040 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6R8
  • TTC: Located one block south of North York Centre Station or four blocks north of Sheppard-Yonge Station
  • Accessible entrance for pick-up and drop-off: front door
• St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts o 27 Front Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B4
  • TTC: Located two blocks east of Union Station or three blocks south of King Station
  • Accessible entrance for pick-up and drop-off: front door

Assistive devices

TO Live is committed to serving persons with disabilities who use assistive devices. Staff will be trained on how to interact with persons with disabilities who use an assistive device.
TO Live provides a range of assistive devices for use by patrons at each of our performance venues. Assistive listening devices and wheelchairs available for on-site use are available at the following locations:

• Meridian Hall: Patron services desk, main lobby
• Meridian Arts Centre: Coat check, main lower lobby
• St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts: Coat check, Bluma Appel lower lobby and captain’s stand, Jane Mallett lower lobby

Designated patron services staff at each facility are trained on the procedures for use of the following assistive devices available at each TO Live venue
All items are available on a firstcome, first-served basis.

• Wheelchairs
• Assistive listening devices
• Booster seats

TO Live uses an infrared system where a transmitter sends enhanced performance audio to a receiver worn by a patron. Patrons may borrow a receiver at no charge. However, a piece of photo identification must be left as a deposit.

Service animals

TO Live is committed to welcoming persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal at TO Live facilities that are open to the public and other third parties.
Patron services and other TO Live staff are trained on how to interact with persons with disabilitieswho require the assistance of a guide dog or other service animal.
Service animals can often be identified through visual indicators. For example, a guide dog might be wearing a harness or a vest with a certification badge or it may be helping a person perform tasks. If a service animal cannot be identified easily, TO Live staff may request that the person with the animal provide documentation from a regulated health professional to confirm that the animal is required for reasons relating to their disability.
To make appropriate seating arrangements, contact the box office when purchasing tickets by phone at 416-366-7723 or 1-800-708-6754 during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 1 pm to 6 pm), or by email at [email protected].

Support persons

TO Live is committed to welcoming persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a support person. Patron services and other TO Live staff are trained on how to interact with persons with disabilities who require the assistance of a support person.
Any person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to access TO Live premises that are open to the public and other third parties. At no time will a person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person be prevented from having access to their support person while on the premises. For ticketed performances or events, each person attending, including support persons, must have a valid ticket for that performance or event. We are happy to offer free admission to support persons for patrons with access needs at all TO Live Presents events. Other events may charge full admission price for support persons.
For specific accessible seating requests or accommodation requests to ensure seating with an accompanying support person, patrons are requested to make accommodation requests with venue box office ticket sales staff at the time of ticket purchase by phone at 416-366-7723 or 1800-708-6754 during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 1 pm to 6 pm), or by email at [email protected]. TO Live makes every effort to meet specific seating and accommodation requests for patrons with disabilities and accompanying support persons.

First AID/AED resources

At each performance or event held at TO Live facilities, the Patron Services Manager and other staff are available on site who are trained in basic First Aid and CPR. Each facility also has an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) on site, with the Patron Services Manager and other staff members trained in how to use an AED.
Notice of temporary disruption of accessible services
TO Live will provide notice in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption of accessible services or facilities usually used by persons with disabilities. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.
Notice of disruption of accessible services or facilities will be posted at the location of the disruption, at the front entrance of the affected facility, and where appropriate for the current disruption (for example, service counters, box office ticket sales, communication with patrons who have made accommodation requests).
For lengthy and planned delays, notice will also be posted on the TO Live website at https://www.tolive.com/Accessibility-for-Everyone.
Emergency Procedures
For patrons whose ticketed seats necessitate an elevator in the event of a fire alarm or anyone requiring accommodations or assistance during an emergency, we kindly request that you inform the box office when booking your ticket. Alternatively, you can contact us via email at [email protected] or approach our staff on the day of your visit.
In the event of a fire alarm, alarms will sound across all venues. At Meridian Hall and Meridian Arts Centre, strobe lights accompany the alarm. Meridian Hall is equipped with a voice communication system to convey essential emergency information. At Meridian Arts Centre and St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, please follow the guidance of our patron services staff in case of an alarm. Elevators cannot be used during a fire alarm. If your location in the venue requires an elevator to exit, please remain in your ticketed seats, and our staff will provide you with further instructions. All our venues are equipped with illuminated signs indicating the direction of exits in case of evacuation.

Feedback

Feedback regarding accessibility to goods, services, facilities, and the manner in which TO Live employees interact with others is welcome and appreciated. Feedback can be provided by email, by phone, or in person at our box office from Monday to Friday between 1 pm and 6 pm or up to two hours prior to a performance.
You can also submit feedback using the form below.
[BUTTON: Accessibility feedback form]

Learn more about accessibility at TO Live
TO Live accessibility webpage: https://www.tolive.com/Accessibility-for- Everyone
TO Live box office: 416-366-7723 | 1-800-708-6754 [email protected]
In-person box office support is available from Monday to Friday between 1 pm and 6 pm at Meridian Hall and Meridian Arts Centre, or up to two hours prior to a performance at Meridian Hall, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, and Meridian Arts Centre.

TO Live administration:
1 Front Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B2
416-368-6161 [email protected]

References

• TOLive Portal

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

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