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Accessibility

At Des Moines Performing Arts, we are committed to making the arts accessible to everyone. Our venues and programs are designed with inclusivity in mind, offering a range of services such as wheelchair seating, assistive listening devices, sensory-friendly performances, and more.

We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of ability, can fully enjoy and participate in the magic of live performances. Explore our accessibility options to learn more about how we can enhance your experience.

SENSORY-FRIENDLY

Sensory-Friendly Performances
Sensory-friendly performances are geared towards those on the autism spectrum, individuals with other sensory sensitivities and their families. These dedicated performances will contain all the joy of a typical theater setting with a few adjustments to help those in attendance feel more comfortable. This will include alterations to light and sound, a variety of seating options, an environment that will encourage movement and breaks when needed, ASL interpretation, and inclusive staff that will welcome guests from the moment they arrive. Families who do not require these accommodations are still welcome to attend. 

Sensory-Friendly Items
DMPA thanks Easterseals Iowa for providing Sensory Items for us to share with our guests. If you would like to borrow a weighted lap pad, noise-dampening headphones or fidgets, visit our Guest Services Counter in the Civic Center's  Nollen Lobby to borrow them during your performance. 

 

ASL INTERPRETATION

Des Moines Performing Arts offers American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for select performances through Deaf Services Unlimited. ASL interpretation is typically offered on the first Sunday matinee performance for most of our Wilis Broadway eries productions.

AUDIO DESCRIPTION

The Iowa Radio Reading Information Service for the Blind and Print Handicapped, Inc. (IRIS) offers audio description services for select performances. Call 246-2300 to reserve a listening device. Audio description is typically offered on the first Sunday Matinee performance for most of our Broadway Series productions.

COMMUNITY TICKET PROGRAM

Des Moines Performing Arts partners with local community-based social service organizations to provide complimentary tickets to those who may not have regular opportunities to experience high quality performing arts.

Learn More

ELEVATORS

Elevators to the second level of the lobby are located in the Nollen Lobby and near the Stoner Theater.

LISTENING DEVICES

With our induction loop technology, guests at the Civic Center with hearing devices containing a T-Coil or telecoil can have sound transmitted directly to their hearing aid or cochlear implant. If your hearing device does not have t-coil technology or you do not have hearing aids but would like to experience the amplified sound provided by the induction loop system, visit the Guest Services Counter located in both lobbies for an assistive listening device.

SPECIAL SEATING NEEDS

Seating is available for all performances for a variety of accessibility requirements (including wheelchair, motorized cart, difficulty with stairs and sight impairment). Please call the Civic Center ticket office at (515) 246-2300.

WHEELCHAIRS

Des Moines Performing Arts has wheelchairs available to assist guests with mobility concerns. Our Guest Services staff may be contacted to assist.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE/FIRST AID

If you have a medical need, please notify Guest Services staff. Medical services are provided by Unity Point Health Des Moines in the Prairie Meadows Lobby.