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December 1995 |
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December 1995 |
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Since becoming Arts Access Task Force Liaison, I have been introduced to different types of assistive devices for enabling persons with disabilities to enjoy not only theatre, but art, music, opera, dance...virtually any artistic or recreational activity. As the world moves toward two family incomes, and the fast food society races to the next pit stop, I see that the assistive technology (AT) of the near future will have to adapt itself to deal with what is becoming most important - quality time. Quality time with family, friends and self. Now that the issues of rights for individuals with disabilities has begun to shake up the workplace, and equal treatment in school is seen as a good IDEA, the next step is going to be equal relaxation. Audio Description, Sound Looping, and Signage have enabled lots of people who are blind, have low vision, or who are deaf or hard of hearing to enjoy the performing arts. Perhaps super computers connected to the Internet that simultaneously run our surround sound stereos and automatically caption or audio describe our big screen, digitized television sets will be the next AT step. Maybe virtual reality is the next recreational option in the ongoing process of leveling the proverbial "playing field." Relaxation and quality time are in need of some serious AT attention. We need to pay attention to making sure everyone gets the chance to relax and enjoy what the world has to offer. If we don't, we're going to have a lot of really tense individuals.
Caption:
Jimi Kinstle is MD TAP's Arts Access Task Force Liaison, theatre critic, actor, improvisationist, and all round good guy.
Jimi Kinstle can be reached at jk164@umail.umd.edu
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