Guests who are Deaf or Have Hearing Loss

Assistive listening devices (ALD) amplify and clarify sound. Infrared assistive listening systems are installed in Sarofim and Zilkha Halls and headsets may be used at any seat in the theaters. Traditional headphones and earbuds are available for use with the ALD. Headsets with induction neckloops are available for patrons who use hearing aids and cochlear implants with a “T” switch. Ask your audiologist whether your hearing aid or cochlear implant has a “T” switch (telecoil) and how to use it with an assistive listening headset. Headsets are distributed free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accessibility kiosks are located at:

• Grand Lobby (level 3)
• Mezzanine (level 4)

Open captioning is scheduled for select Hobby Center events throughout the year. During these events an experienced captioner scrolls up to three lines of text onto an LED sign in sync with the performance. Caption boards are located on the left side of the audience chamber and are best viewed from every level when seated in the left sections of the chamber.

Search here for a complete list of upcoming captioned performances or contact Accessibility Services at [email protected] or (713) 315-2510.

The Hobby Center may offer captioning upon request. Requests to caption non-designated events must be received at least two weeks prior to the event by the Accessibility Services office at [email protected] or (713) 315-2510. These requests are subject to the availability of a captioner and are provided at the discretion of the management.

Sign language interpretation is scheduled for select Hobby Center events throughout the year. Search here for a complete list of upcoming sign language interpreted performances.  Tickets for these performances must be purchased at least two weeks in advance of the performance date. Click here to purchase tickets. 

To purchase tickets in the sign-interpreted section or for more information about upcoming ASL interpreted performances, please contact Accessibility Services at [email protected] or (713) 315-2510 (voice).

The Hobby Center is proud to have a group of amazing volunteers who make up our Access Team. This group is dedicated to assisting guests with any level of need experience all that the Hobby Center has to offer. Look for them in their signature yellow shirts at all entry points to the venue. Courtesy wheelchairs are available for additional help getting to your seat.

A service animal is defined by the ADA as an animal that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability and the presence of the animal is acceptable to the event organizer and venue operator. The tasks performed by the animal must be directly related to the person’s disability. Service animals are welcome inside the Hobby Center and must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times.

Please note that emotional support, therapy, comfort, companion animals or service-animals-in-training are not considered service animals under the ADA. If you intend to bring a service animal to an event, please notify your ticket representative at the time of purchase so that an aisle seat may be reserved for you or contact us in advance by sending an e-mail to [email protected] or (713) 315-2510.