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The Marjorie Luke Theatre announces completion of the installation of a new OTOjOY Hearing Loop System for persons with hearing loss, generously funded by the Manitou Fund & Jules Zimmer. While dark for renovation in January, The Luke also installed newcarpeting as a part of the loop installation, which was also funded by Manitou Fund, and a complete new Lighting Dimmer System, funded by a consortium of donors.
As “The People’s Theatre,” The Marjorie Luke prioritizes diversity, accessibility and inclusion. The new hearing loop system will enrich access to all live events in this Spanish Colonial Revival 808 seat theatre for people experiencing hearing loss, and encourage many people to be more involved in the lively arts. The dimmer system will serve every person who utilizes The Luke Theatre onstage or in the audience for many years to come.
A hearing loop system is an assistive listening system that sends audio wirelessly to a patron’s hearing aids or cochlear implants. The technology offers several benefits: it provides clean sound and cuts out background noise; it eliminates the need for a separate receiver or headset; and it can be used by any number of users and by anyone with a compatible, telecoil-enabled hearing device, also known as a T-coil, independent of the manufacturer. When combined with a loop receiver, this technology can also assist people who don’t wear a hearing device to improve clarity of speech and sound. Additionally, with the direct wireless connection, individuals with hearing loss don’t need to borrow or return equipment from the venue—or worry about the hygiene of shared equipment—and won’t feel conspicuous. Loops provide discreet communication access for people with hearing loss and greater inclusion for all people who utilize The Marjorie Luke Theatre.
The Lighting Dimmer System powers all the theatrical lighting in The Luke and is a critical element in the theatre’s daily operation. The new, updated ETC System is state of the art and will enable The Luke to eventually transition to LED lighting instruments. The dimmer system was generously funded by private and anonymous donors, The Hutton Parker Foundation, and The Santa Barbara Unified School District.
“The Loop System and new Dimmers will greatly enhance our technical and access offerings to our renters, SBJHS and the public. This is part on the ongoing process of maintaining an active theatre in an 80 year old building, and we have more projects to fund,” said Board President Rod Lathim. “We are so grateful to Nora Hurley and The Manitou Fund for her great vision of improving access to many local venues for people with hearing loss. We are also indebted and grateful for the years of support we have received from Hutton Parker Foundation, and our wonderful private donors.”
“Accessing hearing assisting loop technology is a game changer for not only the hard of hearing but for anyone who wishes to enjoy the best hearing experience possible in a looped venue,” shares Nora McNeely Hurley of the Manitou Fund. “Hearing loops have improved my quality of life profoundly and I hope that others will discover the exciting benefits of accessing Telecoil loop technology via personal hearing devices. Ask your audiologist and/or theater manager for ways by which you can get in the loop!”
Manitou Fund is dedicated to enriching the lives of people through financial support that enhances and sustains the beauty and importance of Nature, the Arts, Humanities, Health and Education.
“Creating more hearing-friendly venues allows people with hearing loss to participate fully in the community. Every new hearing loop increases access for people with hearing loss and enhances our nation’s accessibility infrastructure.” says Barbara Kelley, Executive Director of Hearing Loss Association of American. “HLAA applauds the work of the Manitou Fund and the Marjorie Luke Theatre for securing looping systems.” |
