RELAXED SCREENINGS & PERFORMANCES
Relaxed Screenings and Performances are specifically designed for those who would appreciate a less formal cinema or theatre environment. Audience members are welcome to leave their seats, make noise and move around as they wish – imagine the opposite of the quiet carriage on a train. Small changes to the light and sound e ects will be made to reduce any anxiety and films will be shown with subtitles. A quiet, sensory room will also be provided for audience members to use if they need a break from the performance or film. The aim is to retain all the magic of the cinema and theatre but in a more relaxed environment.
INCLUSIVE WORKSHOPS
With thanks to vital funding from Children in Need, Hereford Community Foundation & Hereford City Council, The Courtyard’s Education Department have established a programme of inclusive work that o ers those with specific learning needs or disabilities the opportunity to engage in fun, creative and educational workshops and sessions.
Look out for our Inclusive logo for inclusive events.
DEMENTIA FRIENDLY
ACCESSIBILITY AT THE COURTYARD
Who is it for?
As the UK’s first Dementia Friendly arts venue, we hold regular Dementia Friendly film screenings and The Courtyard’s Spectacular Tea Party, as well as our annual Dementia Friendly Pantomime. Look out for our Dementia Friendly icon
Look out for our Relaxed Screening & Relaxed Performance icons
Relaxed screenings and performances are open to everyone but may benefit individuals with autism spectrum conditions, learning di culties or sensory and communication di culties or simply those who may prefer a more relaxed environment.
Social Stories
We create a specific social story for each relaxed event to help familiarise audience members with the venue. General social story videos for visiting The Courtyard are also available at courtyard.org.uk/socialstories
We o er free Dementia Friends Information Sessions on a regular basis for people to learn more about dementia and how they can help to create dementia friendly communities.
Complimentary CARERS' Tickets
If a customer requires an Essential Companion or Personal Assistant to enable them to watch a performance – the companion ticket will be issued free of charge (subject to availability, participating events only.)
Online booking is unavailable for essential carer tickets, please book in person at Box O ce or over the phone on 01432 340555.
Welcome Accessing the building
Our aim at The Courtyard is to be a welcoming venue for everyone including our d/Deaf, visually impaired and disabled customers. We want to ensure that every visit is an enjoyable one. We hope to exceed your expectations and give every individual a special experience.
Accessing the building
Wheelchair Accessibility & Mobility
There is level access to all public areas of the building. A speaking lift is available to all floors. Wheelchair spaces are available in our Main House stalls and Studio Theatre. All seats are available to book through The Courtyard website. Those who require space for a wheelchair and would like to book online should select “Wheelchair User” when creating their online account or call our Box O ce once to ensure this is set up appropriately. If you have specific needs that would be beneficial for our sta to be aware of before your visit (e.g. needing to enter and exit the auditorium throughout a performance with ease, storing access equipment) or you would like advice from our customer service team please get in touch before booking.
Travel and Parking
Designated car parking spaces are located in The Courtyard car park close to the building. Parking is free for all blue badge holders in any space if attending Courtyard events. Patrons and Blue Badge Holders are politely asked to log registration details at Box O ce – you will not need to return to your vehicle until the end of your stay.
Taxi drop o is possible in The Courtyard car park and adjacent to the main entrance of the building on Penhaligon Way. Visual maps are available to download from our website which show how to get to the venue from Hereford Train Station and from Hereford Bus Station.
Toilets
WC – Accessible toilets are available on all floors. The facilities available in these spaces include:
• lowered hand washing and drying facilities
• adapted toilets with cushioning and rails
• wall rails for balance and stability
• red emergency cord
There is a Changing Places Toilet located in The Courtyard Car Park.
The Changing Places Toilet Social Story can be viewed or downloaded on our Social Stories Page: courtyard.org.uk/socialstories.
Baby changing facilities are available on the Ground and Top Floors. Changing supplies and wipeable mats, that can be laid on the floor for older children, can be found in the toilets on the Top Floor.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance Dogs are welcome throughout the venue. Please inform Box O ce when booking if you are bringing an assistance dog to a performance to ensure there is space for them to sit with you or to arrange for them to be watched in a quiet area of the building.
Ear Defenders
The Courtyard can sometimes be very busy and noisy. Live shows and films can also be a little loud for some people. If you’d like them, we can supply ear defenders, which are available to borrow from Box O ce.
Seat Widths
Seats in our Main House and Studio Theatre are approximately 450mm wide. Arm rests are not removable from these seats.
If you would like to be seated in armless seats this is possible in our Main House boxes or front row Studio on request.
Blind & Visual Impairment
Audio Description
Audio description for the visually impaired is available on selected live events and film screenings. Audio Description consists of a narrator talking through the performance or film, describing what is happening on the stage or screen during the natural pauses in the dialogue through a discreet headset.
Look out for our Audio Description icon
Touch Tours
Where possible, Audio Described shows will have a Touch Tour available before the performance. Touch Tours allow blind or visually impaired audiences to feel the set, props and costumes.
Tactile Maps & Signage
Large print or tactile maps with descriptions of the building are available from Box O ce. All permanent signage throughout the building is tactile. If you require access materials such as a large print Café Bar menu or copy of our Season Live Guide please contact boxo ce@courtyard.org.uk or call 01432 340555.
D/Deaf
British Sign Language
Selected theatre performances are BSL signed for d/Deaf customers. Some touring shows will have BSL integrated as well as closed captions.
Look out for our BSL icon
Subtitled Screenings
Selected screenings are shown with subtitles where possible. Look out for our Subtitled Screenings icon
Audio Enhancement & Hearing Loop
Infra-red Audio Enhancement is available for the hard of hearing in the main auditorium and for all film screenings. The equipment is available from Box O ce and can be used with or without a hearing aid.
