Access Hub
Welcome to the Access Hub! Here are the ways Luminato is making the festival more accessible and inclusive. We are extremely proud that all our Access Programs are fully led by members of the Deaf and disabled communities.
SUPPORTED BY
d/Deaf & Hard of Hearing Programs
Deaf Interpreted Performances
Deaf, 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 Deaf interpreters/performers who interpret all dialogue into American Sign Language (ASL) in real time, either on stage or to the side of the stage. Each ASL interpreted performance will have an ASL interpreter as the Front of House Access Manager, along with ASL volunteers who will be available during your time at the festival to offer support and answer any questions you may have.
ASL Interpreted Performances:
June 4 – 8:00 PM, Corleck Building
Interpreted by Sage Lovell and Juan Jaramillo
June 6 – 2:00 PM, Meridian Hall
Interpreted by Juan Jaramillo and Robert Haughton
June 13 – 2:00 PM, The Fleck at Harbourfront Centre Theatre
Interpreted by Sage Lovell and Robert Haughton
Lovin' You - The Minnie Riperton Story
June 13 – 8:30 PM, Harbourfront Concert Stage
Interpreted by Gaitrie Persaud and Courage Bacchus
June 21 – 1:30 PM, Bluma Appel Theatre
Interpreted by Gaitrie Persaud and Courage Bacchus
Pearle Harbour Walks Into a Bar
June 26 – 7:00 PM, House of York
Interpreted by Gaitrie Persaud
To book a seat near interpreters, contact our Access Team at access@luminato.com.
Captions
Captions provide access to a show’s audio content by transcribing the dialogue and sounds into words for the audience to read.
Events Featuring Captions:
June 16 – 21, Bluma Appel Theatre
June 18 – 7:00 PM, Daniels Faculty of Architecture Building, Main Hall
Visual Experiences
These performances or works do not feature interpretation, but do not use audible text as part of the work. There is no speaking or singing and the show will be a very visual experience, making it accessible to all.
June 17 – 20, Ada Slaight Hall
June 3 and 4, St Lawrence Hall
June 19 and 20, Lyric Theatre at Meridian Arts Centre
June 25 – 28, Lyric Theatre at Meridian Arts Centre
June 4 – 6, Bluma Appel Theatre
Hearing Assist
Some venues have Hearing Assist devices available, which are personal listening devices that connect to the theatre’s sound system to allow the patron to listen via headphones at an increased volume.
Venues with Hearing Assist Devices
Ada Slaight Hall
Alliance Française
Bluma Appel Theatre
Koerner Hall
Meridian Hall
Michael Young Theatre
The Fleck at Harbourfront Centre Theatre
The Lyric Theatre
To book Hearing Assist devices, contact our Access Team at access@luminato.com.
Blind & Low Vision Programs
Live 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. Every Audio Described performance will have Sighted Guides available to support patrons with navigation throughout the venue and specially trained Front of House Access Managers to hand out devices and offer support as needed.
Audio Described Performances:
June 4 – 7:30 PM, Bluma Appel Theatre
Described by JJ Hunt
June 6 – 2:00 PM, Meridian Hall
Described by JJ Hunt
June 14 – 2:00 PM, The Fleck at Harbourfront Centre Theatre
Described by Rebecca Singh
June 19 – 8:00 PM, Ada Slaight Hall
Described by JJ Hunt
June 20 – 2:00 PM, Lyric Theatre at Meridian Arts Centre
Described by Rebecca Singh
Pearle Harbour Walks into a Bar
June 26 – 7:00 PM, House of York
Described by JJ Hunt
June 28 – 8 PM, Lyric Theatre at Meridian Arts Centre
Described by Rebecca Singh
To reserve audio description devices and/or request specific seating arrangements, contact our Access Team at access@luminato.com.
Audio Described Tours
An audio described tour is a live walking tour led by an audio describer that provides a narrated commentary for blind or low vision individuals, describing the visual elements of all the art that the festival has to offer outside of the traditional theatre environment, including visual art and pop-up performances. These immersive tours allow individuals to experience Luminato’s interactive environment, explore tactile elements when available, and ask questions to better experience and understand the space and art in a meaningful way.
To reserve a spot on an audio described tour, contact our Access Team at access@luminato.com.
Audio Described Tours:
Dates and times coming soon!
Pre-Show Audio Primers
For shows with minimal visual elements that mostly feature audio components or where audience members may want to be fully immersed in the live audio rather than listen to an audio describer, pre-show audio primers are available. Pre-show audio primers allow audience members to understand the visual elements of the show in advance by giving detailed descriptions of elements such as the venue, performers, set, costumes, and props.
To request specific seating arrangements and receive the pre-show audio primers ahead of the performance, contact our Access Team at access@luminato.com.
Shows Featuring Pre-Show Audio Primers:
June 4 – 6, The Corleck Building
Pre Recorded Description by JJ Hunt
June 20 – 8:00 PM, Koerener Hall
Pre Recorded Description by JJ Hunt
Lovin’ You: The Minnie Riperton Story
June 13 – 8:30 PM, Harbourfront Concert Stage
Neurodiverse Programs
Access Kits
Every venue will feature an access kit at Front of House with the following items:
Large print and Braille materials
Weighted lap pads
Magnifying sheets
Earplugs and headphones
Fidget and sensory toys
Printed Access & Venue Guides
Whiteboards and markers
A copy of Access and Venue Guides
Relaxed Tents and Quiet Spaces
Relaxed tents and quiet spaces provide audiences and festival attendees with a calm and quiet space to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the festival. Each space will be set up with comfortable places to sit and rest and will be stocked with fidget toys and earplugs.
Events Featuring Relaxed Tents:
June 6, Harbourfront Centre West Campus
June 12 – 14, Harbourfront Centre West Campus
Physical Accessibility
Luminato Festival ensures that its venues are as physically accessible as possible.
To book accessible seating, contact our Access Team at access@luminato.com.
Access and Venue Guides
Access Guides provide content and sensory descriptions of Luminato programs, including available accessibility features. Access Guides are useful for neurodiverse audiences and anyone who benefits from detailed context.
Venue Guides will help prepare you for your visit to one of our venues. They include photos, detailed measurements, transit and parking information, and a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the building.
Click here for our Access and Venue Guides
Accessible Tickets
Accessible Seating Requests
We encourage booking tickets prior to June 1, 2026. Seat holds are limited although we will always do our best to accommodate your request. Accessible seats will be sold at the lowest price in the house for that performance.
To discuss your access requirements, make bookings, or give us feedback, please contact our Access Team at access@luminato.com.
Companion Tickets
Luminato Festival is happy to provide a complimentary ticket for support persons. Please contact our Access Team at access@luminato.com to assist with your booking.
Service Animals
Accredited service animals are always welcome on our premises. Guide dogs or other service animals, including service animals in training, can accompany patrons on any premises that are open to the public. If you are planning to bring a service animal to a performance, please advise the Box Office representative when you purchase your tickets so that an appropriate seat can be assigned to you.
If you are bringing a service animal, we recommend that you review any audience advisories about special effects that may affect your service animal during the performance (i.e., loud noise, lighting effects, other animals, etc.). This information may not be known at the time of booking but can be confirmed by our Box Office staff and/or on-site Front of House staff closer to the date of your performance.
Commitment to Accessibility
Luminato is working hard to bring accessibility to the centre of what we do, and we understand this is a deep process that requires a long-term commitment in order to build trust with the d/Deaf and disabled community, a community that is historically excluded from arts spaces. With guidance from our diverse Access Advisory made up of 8 d/Deaf and disabled industry leaders, we are examining every angle of our practices and programming regularly to ensure innovative accessibility in our creation of safe, inclusive, and vibrant spaces for our staff and valued community. We seek regular consultation from our Advisory to offer feedback on office design, website functionality, artistic process, training, marketing, and more. Our internal programs include regular accessibility and inclusion training from disabled leaders within our organization as well as learning sessions on individual access measures provided by disabled industry leaders. We are committed to hiring more Disabled staff and artists and are excited to transparently share the work we’re doing and to continue collaboratively growing in our commitments.
Conformance Status
As per the Government of Ontario’s AODA standards, beginning January 1, 2021, all public websites and web content posted after January 1, 2012 must meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA other than criteria 1.2.4 (live captions) and 1.2.5 (pre-recorded audio descriptions). Our new website launched in April 2025 with new accessibility features. The testing began in winter 2025 with assistance from members of our Advisory and other Disabled experts in the field. We strive to create content that exceeds the minimum standards required by law.
Christine Karcza Prize
Luminato has made a 10-year financial commitment towards the creation of a cash prize for emerging Accessibility consultants. Read TAPA’s press release explaining the story behind this new award created in honour of Christine Karcza.
In memory of Christine Karcza
Luminato honours the memory of Christine Karcza (1950-2020), our long-term accessibility consultant. As a staunch advocate for better accessibility practices, she set Luminato on our path towards meaningful inclusion. She was treasured by the community and is deeply missed.
Feedback
Your feedback helps us continue to improve our access programs and services. We welcome your comments as we strive to expand our accessibility offerings. Please contact our Access Team at access@luminato.com.
d/Deaf & Hard of Hearing Programs
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 Deaf interpreters/performers who interpret all dialogue into American Sign Language (ASL) in real time, either on stage or to the side of the stage. Each ASL interpreted performance will have an ASL interpreter as the Front of House Access Manager to support patrons as needed and answer any questions in ASL, along with ASL volunteers who can also provide information and guidance.
ASL Interpreted Performances:
Age is a Feeling
June 5 – 8 PM
HOME
June 14 – 8 PM
360 Allstars
June 15 – 7 PM
Luminato in the Square
June 7 - Elder Duke, Jeremy Dutcher
June 9 - Rocky Dawuni, K’Naan
June 16 - The Disability Collective, Haviah Mighty, Big Freedia
Non-text Based Performances
These performances or works do not feature interpretation, but do not use audible text as part of the work (there is no speaking).
Afrikan Party
Dancer of the Year
Ghost Days: Dance
Evanescent
I Am From Reykjavik
SPACED
Hearing Assist
Some venues have Hearing Assist devices available, which are personal listening devices that connect to the theatre’s sound system to allow the patron to listen via headphones at an increased volume.
Venues with Hearing Assist Devices
Bluma Appel Theatre
Michael Young Theatre
Young People’s Theatre
Koerner Hall
To book Hearing Assist devices, contact Emily Maxwell at (437) 776-1569 or emaxwell@luminato.com.
Blind & Low Vision Programs
Live 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. Every Audio Described performance will have Sighted Guides available to support patrons with navigation throughout the venue and specially trained Front of House Access Managers to hand out devices and offer support as needed.
Audio Described Performances:
Age is a Feeling
June 6 – 8 PM
Dancer of the Year
June 7 – 7 PM
Afrikan Party
June 9 – 2 PM
Nathaniel Dett Chorale
June 11 – 8 PM
HOME
June 14 – 8 PM
360 Allstars
June 15 – 7 PM
To reserve audio description devices and/or request specific seating arrangements, contact Emily Maxwell at (437) 776-1569 or emaxwell@luminato.com.
Pre-Recorded Verbal Descriptions
Recorded descriptions by Superior Description Services will be available for select arts installations throughout Luminato.
Available Recorded Descriptions:
Dance
Evanescent
SPACED
Radio LUMI:
Radio LUMI provides exclusive content of Luminato Festival Toronto, with live-from-location reporting, behind-the-scenes content, audio descriptions of festival programs, artist interviews, and deep dives into each Festival event, as well as other exciting content created by members of the blind and low vision community, along with two audio describers.
Sensory-Friendly Programs
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. Every Relaxed Performance will have a dedicated quiet area for folks who may need a break from the show, and specially trained Front of House Access Managers to support patrons as needed.
Relaxed Performances
Afrikan Party
June 8 – 2 PM
To request specific seating arrangements, contact Emily Maxwell at (437) 776-1569 or emaxwell@luminato.com.
Sensory-Friendly Performances
At shows where we are unable to offer a relaxed performance, we will strive to create an environment that is sensory-friendly. Sensory-Friendly performances have been specifically designed to ensure that technical elements of a show are not overwhelming or overstimulating to folks with sensory sensitives. In addition to relaxed technical elements including lighting and sound, audience members can use the designated quiet space provided at each venue.
Sensory-Friendly Performances
Age is a Feeling
HOME
360 Allstars
Dancer of the Year
To request specific seating arrangements, contact Emily Maxwell at (437) 776-1569 or emaxwell@luminato.com.
On Site Access Features
Every venue will feature an access kit at Front of House with the following items:
- Large print materials
- Magnifying sheets
- Earplugs
- Fidget and sensory toys
- Printed Access & Venue Guides
- Whiteboards and markers
- Name tags
The Access Tent at Luminato in the Square will also feature weighted lap pads and cooling blankets. Please review our Access and Venue Guides for more information.
Mobility
Luminato Festival Toronto ensures that its venues are as physically accessible as possible.
To book accessible seating, contact Emily Maxwell at (437) 776-1569 or emaxwell@luminato.com.
Access and Venue Guides
2024 Access & Venue Guides:
Access Guides provide content descriptions of Luminato programs, including available accessibility features. Access Guides are useful for neurodiverse audiences and anyone who benefits from detailed context.
Venue Guides will help prepare you for your visit to one of our venues. They include written directions to the venue, photos of the venue, and a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the building.
Accessible Tickets
Accessible Seating Requests
We encourage booking tickets prior to June 1, 2024. Seat holds are limited although we will always do our best to accommodate your request. Accessible seats will be sold at the lowest price in the house for that performance.
To discuss your access requirements, make bookings, or give us feedback, please contact Access Concierge, Emily Maxwell at (437) 776-1569 or emaxwell@luminato.com.
Companion Tickets
Luminato Festival Toronto is happy to provide a complimentary ticket for support persons. Please contact Access Concierge, Emily Maxwell at (437) 776-1569 or emaxwell@luminato.com to assist with your booking.
Service Animals
Accredited service animals are always welcome on our premises. Guide dogs or other service animals, including service animals in training, can accompany patrons on any premises that are open to the public. If you are planning to bring a service animal to a performance, please advise the Box Office representative when you purchase your tickets so that an appropriate seat can be assigned to you.
If you are bringing a service animal, we recommend that you review any audience advisories about special effects that may affect your service animal during the performance (i.e., loud noise, lighting effects, other animals, etc.). This information may not be known at the time of booking but can be confirmed by our Box Office staff and/or on-site Front of House staff closer to the date of your performance.
Commitment to Accessibility
Luminato is working hard to bring accessibility into the centre of what we do and we know this is a deep process which requires a long-term commitment. We are looking from every angle, inside and out, at how to change the way we work. Our internal programs include biweekly Lunch & Learn sessions, ASL lessons, as well as regular consultation with our advisory to offer feedback on office design, website functionality, artistic processes, training, and more. We are committed to hiring more Disabled staff and artists. We are committed to creating transparency with Radio LUMI’s behind-the-scenes podcasts and the expanding Access Hub. We are excited to share the work we’re doing and to keep growing in our commitments.
Conformance Status
As per the Government of Ontario’s AODA standards, beginning January 1, 2021, all public websites and web content posted after January 1, 2012 must meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA other than criteria 1.2.4 (live captions) and 1.2.5 (pre-recorded audio descriptions). Our new website launched in March 2021 with new accessibility features. The testing began in fall 2020 with assistance from members of our advisory and other Disabled experts in the field. We strive to create content that exceeds the minimum standards required by law.
Christine Karcza Prize
Luminato has made a 10-year financial commitment towards the creation of a cash prize for emerging Accessibility consultants. Read TAPA’s press release explaining the story behind this new award created in honour of Christine Karcza.
In memory of Christine Karcza
Luminato honours the memory of Christine Karcza (1950- 2020), our long-term accessibility consultant. As a staunch advocate for better accessibility practices, she set Luminato on our path towards meaningful inclusion. She was treasured by the community and is deeply missed.
Feedback
Your feedback helps us continue to improve our access programs and services. We welcome your comments as we strive to expand our accessibility offerings. Please contact Emily Maxwell at emaxwell@luminato.com or (437) 776-1569.
In Association Access Program
Working with local productions to increase their accessibility for our community, Luminato is excited to present a series of in association projects as a part of this year's festival.
This years In Association Productions include:
Age is a Feeling
Written and performed by Haley McGee, Soulpepper presents the Soho Theatre and Haley McGee Production in association with Luminato Festival Toronto.
R.A.V.E
Produced by Outside the March and The R.A.V.E. Institute in association with Luminato Festival Toronto.
Luminato Festival Toronto is proud to offer a turn-key solution for local production’s access needs. Working closely with our Access Advisory and Access team, our services will help organizations reach more audiences by providing accessibility consultation and incorporating select access initiatives.
To learn more and to potentially partner with Luminato Festival Toronto in the future to make your practices more inclusive, contact access@luminato.com.
