Awareness | Accessibility technology requirements for cinema

Explore how cinemas can enhance accessibility through technology and learn the requirements needed for successful implementation.

Updated at May 25th, 2023

Information


The United States Americans with Disabilities Act requires a certain number of augmentative and alternative communication devices to be present in cinema spaces. These include hearing impaired (HI), visually impaired (VI), or closed captioning (CCAP) devices. 

Assistive Listening Devices 

As described by 2010 ADA Standards Section 706, the following is required.

Number of Seats Minimum Number of Receivers Minimum Number of Hearing Aid Compatible Receivers
50 or less 2 2
51 to 200 2, plus 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats1 2
201 to 500 2, plus 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats1 1 per 4 receivers1
501 to 1000 20, plus 1 per 33 seats over 500 seats1 1 per 4 receivers1
1001 to 2000 35, plus 1 per 50 seats over 1000 seats1 1 per 4 receivers1
2001 and over 55, plus 1 per 100 seats over 2000 seats1 1 per 4 receivers1

1 Or fraction thereof.

Closed Captioning Devices 

As described by 2016 DOJ 36.303(g)(3)), the following is required. 

Number of auditoriums showing digital movies Minimum required number of captioning devices
1 4
2-7 6
8-15 8
16+ 12

Tip

More detailed information is available through our Accessibility Requirements document.