Accessibility
Page Directory:
Relaxed Performances | Roy Thomson Hall | George Weston Recital Hall | Web Accessibility
Relaxed Performances
Relaxed Performances are specifically intended to be sensitive to and welcoming of patrons who may benefit from a more relaxed environment, including, but not limited to, those on the autism spectrum, those with sensory and communication disorders, or people with learning disabilities.
Relaxed Performance Resources
Roy Thomson Hall
Accessible Services
Assisted-hearing devices: Roy Thomson Hall is equipped with a Sennheiser FM assisted listening system. The Sennheiser system works with both the induction loop, and the stethoset. A limited number of headsets are available. They are free to borrow and can be picked up at the Front of House office at each venue. Booking in advance is not required, but may be done by emailing: frontofhouse@mh-rth.com.
Visitors who are blind or have vision loss: Should any type of vision loss restrict you from reading signs, locating landmarks, or seeing hazards, we would be happy to assist you upon your request.
Although our services do not include Braille material, one of our team members can assist you by reading any information that would enhance your visit with us. Our facility does not offer magnifiers; however, we encourage patrons to bring their own. And upon request, certain materials are available in a large font (18 or larger) to further enrich your experience with us.
Wheelchair loans: There are three house wheelchairs available to transport patrons from the lobby to their seats. Please note that the wheelchairs are not for patrons to sit in during the concert. Call the House Manager at 416.593.4822 X 357 to reserve in advance.
Obus Forme back supports: These special back supports fit comfortably in the concert seats at Roy Thomson Hall only. Call the House Manager at 416.593.4822 X 357 to reserve in advance. Quantities are limited.
Booster seats: Booster seats are available at the Large Coat Check. Quantities are limited.
Earplugs: Earplugs are available at the Front of House office as well as with the Front of House Staff and are complimentary upon request.
Accessible Seating
Main floor: Left Parterre and Right Parterre, row F, seats 6–12. The Parterres can accommodate a total of eight persons who use wheelchairs.
Mezzanine: Sections L5 and R5, row D, seats 6–8 can accommodate a total of four persons who use wheelchairs. Sections C2 and C4, row J, seats 5–13 can accommodate a total of 10 persons who use wheelchairs. Section C3; row J; seats 4, 5, 15 and 16 can accommodate a total of two persons who use wheelchairs.
Balcony: Section C6 and C8, row H, seats 10–16 can accommodate a total of six persons who use wheelchairs.
Bariatric seating options are available at Roy Thomson Hall. If you require this service, please contact Patron Services to learn more.
Support Person
Any person hired or chosen to accompany you to provide you with essential services is welcome. The support person who accompanies a patron with special needs is eligible for a discount up to 50% off the regular ticket price. The support person discount may not be combined with other discounts or promotions, including Group Sales, TSOUNDCHECK, RUSH, and subscriptions. Support person discounts may vary and are subject to availability for select performances. For more information on Accessible Services at our venues or support persons, please call Patron Services at 416.598.3375 for more information.
Service Animals
Service and support animals are welcome at Roy Thomson Hall. Service animals should have either a visible indicator, or an identification card or letter from a healthcare practitioner confirming that the customer requires the animal for reasons relating to a disability. Service animals may be accommodated in most seating locations.
Accessible Entrance
The main entrance of Roy Thomson Hall, located at 60 Simcoe Street, is fully accessible.
Accessible Elevator
In the vestibule where the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office is located, there is an elevator beside the stairs leading down to the PATH. It goes to the underground parking levels of Roy Thomson Hall.
Inside Roy Thomson Hall, there is an elevator on the north side of the lobby as you enter through the main 60 Simcoe Street entrance. This elevator can take patrons to the Mezzanine level, the Mezzanine washrooms, the Balcony level, and the Balcony washrooms.
Accessible Washrooms
Main floor: Three individual accessible washrooms on the north side of the lobby beside the elevator.
Mezzanine: Main Mezzanine women’s washroom has one accessible stall. No men’s accessible washroom on the Mezzanine level. Patrons may use the elevator to access the accessible washrooms on the main floor.
Balcony: Balcony women’s washroom has one accessible stall, and Balcony men’s washroom has one accessible stall.
Please note: All other washrooms in Roy Thomson Hall are between levels and accessible by way of the elevator.
Parking
Surface parking: Available at the rear of Roy Thomson Hall via Wellington Street. There are 23 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call the Roy Thomson Hall Security Office at 416.593.4822 X 375 to inquire about availability.
Underground parking:
- Upper parking level (Cello & Flute zones): Three accessible parking spots in the Cello zone.
- Lower parking level (Drum & Violin zones): Three accessible parking spots in the Violin zone.
Steps in Lobbies/Auditorium
Please call Patron Services at 416.598.3375 for additional information.
Other Services
The TSO team is always pleased to assist you in any way we can. Should you require any assistance to enhance your visit with us, we would be happy to provide it upon request.
TTC Wheel-Trans
If using the services of TTC Wheel-Trans, the Front of House Office may be able to provide concert end times to assist you in scheduling pickup times post-concert. Please contact us at 416.593.4822 X 357 for details.
To learn more about Roy Thomson Hall's history and design, take our self-guided tour at TSO.CA/RTH-Tour.
Meridian Arts Centre—George Weston Recital Hall
Accessible Services
Assisted-listening devices: Listening devices are available on loan for all Toronto Symphony Orchestra presentations at George Weston Recital Hall. Devices are loaned on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve, please contact the box office at 416.250.3708 prior to the concert, or speak to any of our Front of House staff members on concert night.
Wheelchair loans: There are house wheelchairs available to transport patrons from the lobby to their seats. Please note that the wheelchairs are not for patrons to sit in during the concert. Call the House Manager at 416.733.9388 to reserve in advance.
Accessible Seating
Main floor Front: Left and Right Parterres.
Main floor Rear: Left and Right, row Y.
Upper level: Centre Dress Circle, row F.
Support Person
Any person hired or chosen to accompany you to provide you with essential services is welcome. The support person who accompanies a patron with special needs is eligible for a discount of 50% off the regular ticket price. Ability to book seats for any given performance or date is subject to availability. For more information on Accessible Services at our venues or support persons, please call Patron Services at 416.598.3375 for more information.
Service Animals
Service Animals are welcome at Toronto Symphony Orchestra performances. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure the comfort and safety of your Service Animal and others while on the premises.
Accessible Entrances
The main entrance of the Meridian Arts Centre, located at 5040 Yonge Street, is fully accessible.
Accessible Elevators
Elevators are located on the main floor beside Portal 55 and on the upper level beside Portal 71.
Accessible Washrooms
The George Weston Recital Hall’s washrooms are all located on the house-left side of the hall (opposite Portals 55 and 71, respectively).
Orchestra level: There is one separate accessible washroom, and there are accessible stalls in the other washrooms on the Orchestra level.
Balcony level: There are accessible stalls in the Balcony-level washrooms.
Main floor: There is one separate accessible washroom, and there are accessible stalls in the other washroom on the main floor.
Parking
The following parking lots are within walking distance of George Weston Recital Hall:
- Impark—5051 Yonge Street (130m or 2 min. walk)
- Green P Carpark—180 Beecroft Road (400m or 5 min. walk)
- Impark—4711 Yonge Street (800m or 10 min. walk)
Other Services
TTC Wheel-Trans
If using the services of TTC Wheel-Trans, the Front of House Office may be able to provide concert end times to assist you in scheduling pickup times post-concert. Please contact us at 416.733.9388
Web Accessibility
What is Web Accessibility?
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is committed to excellence in serving all patrons, and ensuring that all visitors, patrons, and employees have equal access.
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), TSO performance venues have accessibility ramps, lifts, and elevators to accommodate the needs of patrons, and venue employees are trained on the use of this equipment. The TSO is also committed to ensuring that their website(s) and web content conform to the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level A immediately, and that they are well positioned to conform to WCAG 2.0 Level AA by January 1, 2021.
We strongly urge users to keep their browsers up to date in order to take advantage of new and updated assistive technologies.
In alignment with the WCAG 2.0 Guidelines, the TSO aims to ensure that its website meets certain criteria, including but not limited to the following:
Perceivable
- Ability to provide text alternatives for any non-text content
- Text equivalents to video and audio multimedia
- Use of ALT tags and title tags have content that can be presented in different ways without losing information or structure
- Make it easier for users to hear and see content, including separating foreground from background colours
Operable
- A high level of keyboard navigation support (the ability to use the Tab key instead of a mouse)
- Multiple ways to navigate and find content, and determine where they are (Search, quick links, and navigation)
- Users have enough time to read and complete tasks
Understandable
- Text content is readable and understandable
- Web pages appear and operate in predictable ways
- Input assistance to help users avoid and correct mistakes
Robust
- High compatibility with current and future user agents, including assistive technologies
- Markup language is used to facilitate accessibility
The TSO thanks the Ontario Trillium Foundation for supporting the installation of an accessible front door at the TSO's administrative office.
