Braille Programs at the Rep

seattle-repThis season the Seattle Repertory Theatre offers braille programs and audio-described performances for its theater goers.

The current play is King Charles III, a play of the future, described as follows on the Rep’s website:

“The Queen is dead, long live The King!” After a lifetime of waiting, Prince Charles finally ascends to the throne, flanked by wife Camilla, sons William and Harry, and daughter-in-law Kate. The Prime Minister proposes legislation designed to restrict the freedom of the press, which the newly crowned sovereign opposes, subverting the understood rules of British democracy. Written in blank verse, this smash Broadway and West End hit and the 2015 Olivier Award winner for Best New Play presents a modern take on the future of the British Royal Family.

For expanded information about the plot, visit the Seattle Public Library’s Shelf Talk: Seattle Rep’s KING CHARLES III: Beyond the Theatre.

The Seattle Public Library has prepared a reading reading list for those who wish to do more extensive background reading.

King Charles III runs through December 18. The audio described performance is at 2 PM on December 3, 2016. The performance is approximately two hours 40 minutes with one intermission.

For tickets, call Roland at 206-787-1435
or visit www.seattlerep.org/promo/described

The Seattle Repertory Theatre is located at the Seattle Center, 155 Mercer Street, Seattle 98109.

If you wish to enjoy a meal out before or after the performance, the Rep’s website includes a list of appealing dining possibilities in the area. http://www.seattlerep.org/Plan/Dining

Tactile Art Group Resumes This Summer

The Tactile Art Group, which has been inactive during the winter, returns for three sessions during the summer months. The dates are as follows: 

Thursday June 16th 10:00AM – 2:00PM, Seattle Artist & Craftsman Supply, 4350 8th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98105 
Friday July 15th – Annual Day Trip to NW Stone Sculptors Symposium 

Thursday August 18th 10:00AM – 2:00PM, Seattle Artist & Craftsman Supply 

The groups are free with hands-on studio sessions. Guest artists often demonstrate tactile arts techniques. Over the years, Stone Sculpting, Ikebana, Collage, Clay Work, Jewelry Making, Pottery, and Painting with Tactile Elements have all been explored!
 
The Tactile Art Group with Hjylimar Hinn created the braille Faces Mural on the new Artspace Building adjacent to the Mt. Baker Light Rail Station. The mural spells ART in giant braille lettering. 

To sign up for the June 16th group, please e-mail info@visionlossconnections.org or call (206) 282-3913.

Looking forward to great creative energy during the summer months!  

Patt Copeland
Vision Loss Connections 
(206) 282-3913

Audio Described Sound of Music

Sound of Music Audio Described At the 5th Avenue Theater
Saturday, December 12, 2015 – 2:00 PM Show

The Sound of Music is one of the most beloved musicals of all time and celebrates the 10th Anniversary of Vision Loss Connections offering affordable tickets to Audio Described Performance at the 5th Ave Theater. Enjoy this fabulous Holiday show, with full orchestra and a stellar cast of Seattle Favorites. You’ll leave the Theater humming such memorable songs as, “My Favorite Things”,”Do Re Mi”, and of course “Climb Every Mountain”.

The Sound of Music 2005 production was the first show where we organized a group with Kay Holdaway from United Blind of Seattle suggesting the idea. Marilyn & Miles Otoupal later enthusiastically embraced the concept and helped to fund the program. Those were the early days and unfortunately Kay and Marilyn are no longer with us in life, but this is a time to especially honor and remember them.

Tickets for Sound of Music through Vision Loss Connections are $25.00 per person for a person who is Visually Impaired and you can also purchase one additional ticket at $25.00 per person for a friend or family member.

Join us for lunch before the show in a private dining room at the Rock Bottom Restaurant 1333 Fifth Ave. which is located right across the street from the Theater. With a group, you want to allow a little more time for ordering lunch. Plan to arrive around 11:15AM for relaxed dining.

If you are using Access Para-transit we recommend that you arrange your pick up window after the show for 5:15-5:45PM at Starbucks 1318 4th Ave. Seattle WA 98101 which is one block west of the Theater.

For Tickets to Sound of Music:
E-Mail info@visionlossconnections.org
or call Patt Copeland at (206) 282-3913

New theatergoers booking tickets through Vision Loss Connections or Box Office Pick Ups, please send checks in advance to:
Vision Loss Connections (VLC)
23 West Boston Street
Seattle, WA 98119

Returning theatergoers can also arrange for payment with cash or check at lunch at the Rockbottom Restaurant, on the day of the show.

Tickets can be picked up at lunch or at the Theater Box Office under your name on the day of the show.

Play is at 2:00 with a pre-recorded Audio Described Introduction of sets and costumes that begins at 1:45PM ( will replay at Intermission )

Where: Play is at the Fifth Ave. Theater, 1308 Fifth Avenue.
Lunch is at the Rock Bottom Restaurant, 1333 Fifth Avenue. The restaurant which has a moderately priced menu is across the street from the theater.

Access Pick Up is at Starbucks, 1318 4th Avenue (corner of 4th Avenue and Union Street).

Come and Enjoy!
Patt Copeland
Vision Loss Connections
www.visionlossconnections.org
23 West Boston St.
Seattle, WA 98119
(206) 282-3913

5th Avenue Theater Tour Celebrates 25th Anniversary of ADA

Vision Loss Connections invites you to celebrate the 25 Year ADA Anniversary with a free 5th Avenue Theater Tour and Introduction to Audio Description on Monday, July 27, 2015 at 1:00PM.
ADA Logo
Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about audio description, but were afraid to ask:
-Learn about the Art of Audio Description which makes theater accessible to visually impaired audience members.
-Learn more about the 5th Avenue Theater’s state-of-the-art Sennheiser infrared FM True Sound System.
-Hear about the Theater’s upcoming season of audio described performances of musicals including “Sound of Music,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “Paint your Wagon.”

To reserve a spot on the Theater Tour, E-Mail or call (206) 282-3913.

The 5th Avenue Theater at 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle WA 98101 is located on the east side of 5th Avenue between Union and University Streets.

Sheri Richardson, Patt Copeland and Tony Brown
Vision Loss Connections
23 West Boston Street
Seattle WA 98119

About the ADA Logo Shown Above
The Seattle 25th Anniversary Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Logo was created by Seattle Artist Leyah Sayler who is visually impaired. Following is a verbal description of the logo.

Wording in Black Lettering
ADA in Large Script Lettering
Anniversary in Small Script Lettering
25 in Large Bold Lettering

Description of Logo
Logo is enclosed within a circle outlined in black with white background
1 Large Shooting Star to signify Celebration in gold on upper right side of the logo
4 Smaller Shooting Stars in darker shade of gold on left side of logo
5 Tails of the Shooting Stars in darker shades of gold

Goal Ball for Blind and Low Vision Athletes

Goalball is an active team sport of Blind and Low Vision Athletes.

Vision Loss Connections’ Seattle King Cobras Goalball Team, United States Association of Blind Athletes, invites you to come and experience Goalball.

• Saturday March 21, 2015 2:00PM-5:00PM
• Nisei Veterans Committee Gym, 1212 South King Street in Seattle’s International
District
• Metro Buses 7 and 36. Free Parking

Contacts:
o www.visionlossconnections.org
o info@visionlossconnections.org
o Phone (206) 282-3913

Tactile Art Group to Visit “Please Touch” Exhibit

The February 19th, Tactile Art Group is going to Edmonds Community College for the Please Touch Exhibit and lunch afterwards at Claire’s Pantry in Edmonds. Jim Ballard who works with the Tactile Arts Group has curated this show which highlights the beauty of Touchable Art with Braille Description. Tactile Art Group Members, Ann Fagan, Ezzie Hernandez, Stacy Thurston and Becky Bell have created work in the show.

The Tour and Transportation to Edmonds is free with pick up locations at Benaroya Hall Lobby at 3rd & Union St. and Seattle Artist and Craftsman Supply, 4350 8th Ave. NE Seattle WA 98105.

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2015

Time: 9:45 AM Pickup at Benaroya Hall Lobby near the Starbucks in Downtown Seattle.
10:00 AM Pick Up at Seattle Artist and Craftsman Supply in the U-District.

To reserve a spot on the Tour E-Mail or call (206) 282-3913.

To schedule an Access Ride we suggest the Seattle Artist & Craftsman Supply location
with a drop off window 9:30AM – 10:00AM.

If you are returning home with Access we would suggest: a 3:00PM – 3:30PM pick up window at Seattle Artist & Craftsman Supply.

Claire’s Pantry is a moderately priced restaurant in Downtown Edmonds known for serving Good Comfort Food, Turkey Pot Pie, Great Burgers and their own roasted Gobbler Turkey Sandwiches. Claire’s is located at 301 Main St. Edmonds WA 98020.

The Please Touch Exhibit is located at the Art Gallery in the Edmonds Community College Library Building, 20000 68th Ave. West Lynnwood, WA 98036.

Here is a short description of the Exhibit.

Tony Brown
Vision Loss Connections
www.visionlossconnections.org
(206) 282-3913

Celebrate Accessibility

You are invited to this Special Free Event:

Arts Access to Visually Impaired Youth Showcase

Speakers, Music, Art and Party Food
Saturday: June 14, 2014 12:30PM – 3:30PM

Microsoft Auditorium
Central Seattle Public Library
1000 4th Avenue
Seattle WA 98104

Guest Speaker
Representative Cyrus Habib
48th Legislative District
Washington State House of Representatives

Information
Patt Copeland
Vision Loss Connections
info@visionlossconnections.org
(206) 282-3913

The Art of Collage

Especially for Children, Youth, Family Members and Teachers

You are invited to come and learn the Art of Collage from Elisa O’Neil, a visually impaired artist who uses textured paper and bold contrast to create her artistry.

Classes, which are free, are specially geared to the creative needs of visually impaired children and youth. The studio sessions will be great fun and family members and teachers are especially welcome to attend.

The classes will teach the art of collage and painting using acrylics with tactile elements to create layered designs meant to be touched.

The classes are Saturday, March 29 and Sunday March 30, 2014 12:30PM – 4:30PM
Studio Space at Artist and Craftsman Supply
4350 8th Avenue NE, Seattle WA 98105 (in the University District near Petco).

To register or confirm that you will be attending please reply to this e-mail or call Patt Copeland at (206) 282-3913.

This program is made possible by a special grant from the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture.

Patt Copeland MSW
Vision Loss Connections
(206) 282-3913

Accessible Tour of Miró Exhibit at SAM

Enjoy this special Free Access Tour of the Miró Exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum.
Saturday March 22nd at 10:00 AM
1300 1st Avenue, Seattle WA 98101

The Seattle Times gives the Show Rave Reviews:
“The Miró exhibition at SAM is an exuberant splash of a show.”

Enjoy lunch at Von’s Restaurant after the Tour!
Von’s is located at 1221 First Avenue right across the street from Seattle Art Museum at the corner of 1st Avenue and University Street.

Space is limited so reserve your spot with Vision Loss Connections by email or by calling (206) 282-3913

Enter the Museum at the Union Street entrance after 9:30 AM.
If you are using Access, the pick up spot for Von’s is the same as Seattle Art Museum.

Explore an Alaska Airlines 737

A Unique Opportunity!

Alaska Airlines is offering an opportunity for blind or visually impaired people to explore the interior of one of its 737 airplanes.

Here are only a few of the things you may learn during the tour:

Where the airplane exit doors are located and how to operate them in an emergency.
How an airline emergency oxygen mask actually works.
How you can locate and utilize the airplane flotation device that is under the seat.
How the restroom is laid out in a unique airplane setting.

Date: November 19th, 2013
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
Where: SeaTac Airport
Who is invited? Anyone who is blind or visually impaired!
All children under age 16 must come with an accompanying adult.

Transportation: Because this event will take place at the Alaska Airlines hanger in a secure part of the airport, the number of vehicles allowed on the tarmac is limited to 2 or 3.

DSB (Department of Services for the Blind) and VLC (Vision Loss Connections) will providing transportation to and from the airplane tour. Please watch for further information on times and locations to meet a bus that will take you to this event.

RSVP: Space is limited. Please RSVP no later than November 10th.
Janet George — Telephone: 206-906-5530 or email.
Yang-su Cho — Telephone: 206-906-5518 or email.

Note: The airplane we will explore could be called into the field at the last minute to replace one that is unable to fly. For this reason we may have to reschedule at short notice. Alaska Airlines assures us this is not likely, but they want us to be aware of the possibility.