The Sight Loss Support Group has several programs to help people access the visual and performing arts. The first Accessible Arts program was Festival Eyes, a collaboration between the SLSG and the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. Accessible Arts has been greatly expanded, and a trained guide can now accompany those wishing to enjoy the visual arts, such as museums and arts festivals, as well as cultural events such as antique and flower shows. These guides have learned the art of verbal description, guided touch and sighted guide, and are also trained to work with adults and children with other disabilities.
ACTIVITIES & SERVICES
Audio Description is to the visually impaired what closed captioning is to the hearing impaired. Trained describers use a small transmitter to describe visual elements of performances and other educational events to blind and visually impaired individuals wearing earphones attached to walkman-sized receivers. "View Via Headphones" is the audio description program in the State College town-gown community. This service is provided at the five Penn State University Park theatre locations, as well as community theatres, museums, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, First Night and some films on campus. This service is provided at no additional cost to the patron. For more information regarding campus events contact the Box Office at 814-863-0255.