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Detail image of hands laid on top of each other, carved in stone, 1964.556 Detail image of hands laid on top of each other, carved in stone, 1964.556

Visitors Who Are Deaf or Have Hearing Loss

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Visitors listen to a tour guide, some using devices to aid hearing impairment.

Talks in Auditoriums

Assistive Listening System

All auditoriums are equipped with an assistive listening system that includes t-coil compatibility. Devices are available free of charge in the back of each auditorium. Earpieces are provided, and each device supports a standard 3.5 mm connection for personal headphones or adaptive devices.

For additional information, see our general Assistive Listening System direction sheet. If you are planning to attend an event in Fullerton Hall, use our Fullerton Hall sheet instead.

Captioning

Open or closed captioning is offered at most public lectures.

ASL Interpretation

ASL interpretation for public lectures may be available upon request. Please email access@artic.edu two weeks in advance of the event, and we will do our best to accommodate based on interpreter availability.

ASL Tours

The Art Institute offers interactive tours of works in the collection presented in American Sign Language. These tours are primarily intended for members of the deaf community but are open to all visitors. Visit the calendar for a list of upcoming gallery talks presented in ASL.

ASL Interpretation

ASL interpretation is available upon request at museum_interpretation@artic.edu. Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance. 

Assisted-Listening Devices

Assisted-listening devices are available upon request at museum_interpretation@artic.edu. Devices are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance. 

Audio Tours

The free Art Institute of Chicago Official Mobile App is available for iOS and Android. The app has general support for VoiceOver (iOS) and TalkBack (Android) and supports Bluetooth audio output for compatible hearing aids and other receivers. Download the iOS app via the Apple App Store or the Android app via the Google Play Store. Transcripts accompany most audio content.

Individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accessibility accommodation for an Art Institute program are encouraged to send an email to access@artic.edu as far in advance as possible.

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