Accessibility

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts fully complies with all disability requirements of both the city of Kansas City, Missouri and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Lyric Opera of Kansas City is committed to providing the most accessible and enjoyable experience possible to all of our patrons. For questions, contact us or call Ticketing & Patron Services at (816) 471-7344.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING AND DROP-OFF LANES

Handicapped parking slots in the Arts District Garage are close to building access points, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Event parking is $13 per car. Valet parking is also available on the south private drive for $24 cash.

Two drop-off areas allow guests to easily access the Center:

  1. The north side of the Kauffman Center, accessed from 16th Street
  2. The private drive on the south side of the Kauffman Center, accessed from Broadway

PATRON ACCESS TO SEATING

All performances at the Kauffman Center are accessible to people who require assistance. Within both halls, there is a great deal of seating that does not require any stair use at all. If you purchase a wheelchair-designated seat, the seat will be removed to make space for your wheelchair. Companion seats are also available adjacent or nearby.

The Kauffman Center has elevator access to all levels except the Upper Grand Tier (level 7) in Helzberg Hall. Accessible seating for patrons using wheelchairs and walkers is available in all areas of Helzberg Hall except the Grand Tier sections.

We suggest that you call Ticketing & Patron Services at (816) 471-7344 to determine your best and most accessible seating options.

BRAILLE AND TACTILE SIGNAGE

Signage conforms to ADA standards, meaning major support and life safety spaces, such as stairs and restrooms, are identified with tactile and Braille signs. Elevator panels and jambs provide raised letters and Braille text as well.

ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES

Assisted listening device headphones are available for use by hearing-impaired patrons during all performances. These may be requested at the Kauffman Center Gift Shop on Level 4. There is no charge for use of these devices; however, a driver’s license or credit card is required and will be held until the equipment is returned.

BRAILLE AND LARGE PRINT PROGRAMS

Braille and large print copies of the show programs are available for use by patrons at all Lyric Opera performances. These may be requested at the Kauffman Center Gift Shop on Level 4.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR NURSING MOTHERS

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts supports nursing mothers by providing a dedicated space to express milk. The room has comfortable seating, an electrical wall outlet and a monitor to view your performance. You may reserve this room in advance by calling the Kauffman Center box office at (816) 994-7222. However, access to this room is also available without prior reservations by speaking to a staff member or volunteer during your visit.

CLOSED CAPTION TITLES

English translations of all performances appear on small screens on every seatback, using the Figaro Simultext System. This system allows each patron to personalize their theatre experience. Each screen is ergonomically placed just below each audience member’s view of the stage, well within a comfortable viewing angle. Each unit has a “privacy screen” so that they do not interfere with a neighbor’s enjoyment of the performance. In addition, the screens have soft lighting, not a TV-like glare. The OLED screens (organic light emitting diodes) display clear text in six languages and can fade fully, meaning that they do not constantly glow.

More information about accessibility at the Kauffman Center can be found here.