When reserving tickets online, check the box to the left of "Request accessibility for this event" on the event page, then click "Add to Cart." On the next screen, you can select the accommodations needed for that event.

If tickets are already in your cart, you can also edit accessibility requests directly from the cart screen before checking out.

When buying tickets by phone, you may request accommodations from the Box Office at (312) 661-1239.

Additional information can be requested at access@chicagohumanities.org. Please note that ticket orders cannot be processed by email. Tickets must be purchased on our website or by phone.

Open Captions: Open captioning is a service that displays dialogue and describes other relevant sounds on a large screen near or above the stage. Captions are typed in real-time by a professional captioner. Open captions provide access for people at any stage of hearing loss. When requesting captions for an in-person event, please submit your request for open captions at least one week before the event if possible.

American Sign Language Interpretation: We will provide sign language interpretation for events upon request. In the case of virtual events, at least one (1) interpreter will be visible at all times through the video stream. If possible, please submit your request for sign language interpretation at least one week before the event.

Interpreters for in-person events will be placed in view of the front row of seats, and you and your guests will have reserved seating in good vantage point of the interpreter. If possible, please submit your request for sign language interpretation at least one week before the in-person event.

YouTube Closed Captions: Videos of our past programs have been archived on the Chicago Humanities YouTube channel. Our audience services team steadily works to caption the hundreds of videos in our archive. Captioned videos will have [CC] included in the title, and captions can be accessed through the Closed Captioning button.

If there is a specific video you would like to request Closed Captioning for, please email access@chicagohumanities.org and our team will work to expedite the process.

Assistive Listening Devices (in-person events): At compatible venues, we offer assistive listening devices. Assistive listening devices (ALDs) amplify sound transmitted by the microphone while eliminating ambient noise. You can choose to wear the device with headphones or a neck loop. Neck loops are compatible with t-coil hearing aids. ALDs are obtained from the Box Office table on the day of your event. Chicago Humanities is able to fulfill ALD requests on a first-come, first-served basis.

Seating Close to Stage (in-person events): If you would like to sit close to the stage for lip reading, we are happy to reserve seats for you and your guests.

Audio Description: For people who are blind or have low vision, audio description provides additional narration that describes important visual components and unspoken action of a piece of visual media or live performance. Audio description is performed in real-time by a professional audio describer speaking into a steno mask. The audio describer's voice is transmitted into an assistive listening device worn by the audience member.

If possible, please submit your request for audio description at least one week before the event. Early requests allow an audio describer to become familiar with the presenter's media.

Audio description requests for digital programming: If requesting for a digital or livestreamed program, our team will follow up to determine the best way to deliver the audio description to you alongside the program.

Seating Close to Stage (in-person events): If you would like to sit close to the stage due to low vision, we are happy to reserve seats for you and your guests.

Service Animals (in-person events): We welcome service animals and, if desired, will reserve seats with ample adjacent space for the service animal.

Large Print or Braille Programs: If print materials will be distributed ahead of or at our events, we will do our best to provide large print or braille versions upon advance request. If you would like our seasonal program brochure in large print, please contact us by phone or email to let us know.

Wheelchair-accessible seats: We select venues with wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms. Most of our venues are general admission seating. We reserve seats for anyone using a wheelchair or motorized scooter and their guests. For assigned seating venues such as the Harris Theater for Music and Dance or the Symphony Center, please call our box office at (312) 661-1239 so an audience services representative can ensure your tickets are in a wheelchair-accessible area.

Aisle seats: We will reserve seats on an aisle or another desired location that provides better access for you and your guests.

To best support audience members on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, or other sensory, social, or cognitive disabilities, we have a limited number of sensory friendly kits and tools available for use by request.

Sensory Toys: We carry three kinds of sensory toys that can be checked out: Fidget Spinners, Spiky Sensory Balls (BPA/Phthalate/Latex-Free), and Tangle Toys in a variety of colors and textures.

Noise Sensitivity: Though many of our programs are standard lectures or conversations, we support hypersensitivity from sound between potential crowds and sound systems that can vary from venue-to-venue. Noise-Reduction Headphones (26db and 37db), as well as disposable earplugs are available upon request.

Please contact the box office if you would like to reserve a kit for a specific program. Additionally, you are always welcome to bring personal items that might make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Please reach out if you have any questions about what items are permitted in the venue.