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Accessibility
Hot Docs and Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema value inclusivity and accessibility for all guests, staff and volunteers.
Hot Docs Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
In accordance with our obligations under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (O. Reg. 191/11, s. 4 (1)), Hot Docs has prepared a multi-year accessibility plan, which sets out the deliverables and activities that we will undertake over the next five years to identify, prevent and remove barriers to accessibility. VIEW PLAN >>
We are pleased offer closed captions, open captions, and audio description for select screenings at Hot Docs Festival, as well as throughout the year at Hot Docs Cinema. As we are always looking for ways to improve, we recommend you contact the Box Office for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
Closed Captions (CC): Caption track made available via CaptiView device, which can be obtained at the box office. Subject to availability.
Open Captions (OC): Caption track visible on screen.
Audio Description (AD): Audio description provided.
Full Subtitles: Screenings with English subtitles throughout the entirety of the film.
Relaxed Screenings: These screenings offer a sensory friendly environment for those in the neuro-diverse community or for anyone who may benefit from a more informal viewing atmosphere.
If you need a device, please visit the Box Office to request one. Devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and you may need to leave a form of ID as a deposit. If you don’t have a smartphone, can’t download the app, or need our equipment for any reason, we strongly recommend contacting the Box Office in advance to check availability.
Hearing Assist Devices
The Listen WIFI app app allows you to access either the Hearing Assist function (personal volume control available for all screenings) or the Audio Description function (a narration track available for select films when provided by the distributor).
Using Your Own Device: We encourage you to use your own smartphone and headphones for the best experience.
Borrowing a Device: If needed, we may be able to provide an iPhone with over-the-ear headphones to stream the film’s audio. Devices are subject to availability and can be adjusted to your preferred volume.
The Listen WIFI app is free to download from Google Play and Apple App Store. To access the audio, connect to the dedicated Wi-Fi network:
Network: Hearing Assist 5G
Password: 506Bloor!
If you need a device, please visit the Box Office to request one. Devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and you may need to leave a form of ID as a deposit. If you don’t have a smartphone, can’t download the app, or need our equipment for any reason, we strongly recommend contacting the Box Office in advance to check availability.
For assistance, our team is happy to help!
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome in all areas of the cinema that are open to the public.
Personal Support Workers
A personal support worker may attend all Hot Docs screenings free of charge but must have a ticket, which can be arranged by contacting the Box Office.
ASL
We encourage patrons accompanied by an ASL interpreter to contact the Box Office to establish how best we can meet your needs.
Allergies/Chemical Sensitivities
Your fellow patrons may have allergies and/or chemical sensitivities. Please be considerate by avoiding perfume, cologne and other scented products.
Notice of Temporary Distruption
In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services for customers with disabilities, Hot Docs will notify customers promptly. This clearly posted notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative venues or services, if available.
The notice will be placed at the front of the cinema as well as on our website.
Training for Staff
Hot Docs provides training to all employees and volunteers. This training is provided to staff within one month of their start date.
Training includes:
An overview of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the customer service standard;
Hot Docs’ accessible customer service plan;
How to interact and communicate with people of all abilities;
How to interact with customers who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or a support person;
How to use the equipment or devices, e.g. CaptiView, hearing assist and audio description devices, available on-site or otherwise;
What to do if a customer is having difficulty in accessing Hot Docs’ goods and services;
Staff will also be trained when changes are made to your accessible customer service plan.
Feedback Process
All feedback will be directed to the Director of Operations. Customers can expect to hear back within 48 hours. Complaints will be addressed according to our organization’s regular complaint management procedures.
Feedback should be directed to:
Email: [email protected]
If you require any additional accommodations to make your experience more enjoyable, please contact us in advance.
Accessible programming supported by The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation.
Live captioning (CART) is provided by AI Media.