Accessibility

Safety, security, wellness information, and code of conduct. We’re always striving to improve our accessibility. Detailed accessibility information for each program can be found on our website/ticket page. If there is anything you need that is not listed here, please reach out by submitting an access request below.

Access Requests

Please complete this Access Request Form to inform us of the accessibility offerings you plan to use and for us to assure their availability.

You can also email Yaara at: yaarakdm@gmail.com.

Sign up to volunteer at Access:Horror 2025

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General Accessibility

The following will be available for all in-person and virtual programs:

  • Open captions for all films.

  • CART live captions for all live conversations and introductions.

  • Audio description for all films - in-person via assistive listening devices, and virtually as an alternative audio track on the video player.

  • ASL interpretation for all live conversations and introductions.

  • Visual descriptions - speakers will self describe themselves or any visual assets presented throughout the programs.

  • Sensory relief area in-person at DCTV.

In-person and Virtual tickets available. See details below on how to attend in-person and virtually.

In-Person Accessibility - DCTV Firehouse Cinema

Arrival

  • DCTV Firehouse Cinema is located in Chinatown in Manhattan, NYC

  • Address is: 87 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10013 (corner of White Street and Lafayette Street) Google Maps

  • Entrance to the cinema is from White Street

  • Nearby subway stations:

    • J, Z - Canal St. (2 min. walk)

    • 6 - Canal St. (2 min. walk)

    • N, Q, R, W - Canal St. (4 min. walk)

Building

  • The entrance to the DCTV Firehouse Cinema is on the north side of White Street. 

  • The DCTV Firehouse Cinema has a no-step access to the building entrance, lobby, theater, restrooms, water fountain and event spaces. 

  • The elevator runs to all levels. 

  • DCTV's restrooms are all-gender and include one wheelchair-accessible stall.

Captions, Audio Description and Hearing Assist

  • All films are screened with open-captions both virtually and in-person. 

  • Audio Description (AD) and Hearing Assist are available for all in-person films via assisted listening devices (virtually by toggling on an alternative audio track on the video player).

  • Assistive listening devices can be requested at the DCTV Access Desk next to Box Office, subject to availability. You will be asked to leave a form of ID to ensure the safe return of the equipment. Only ticket holders may request assistive technology.

  • To assure availability of assistive listening devices, please submit an access request in advance by completing the Access Request Form or emailing Yaara at: yaarakdm@gmail.com

Seating

The Firehouse Cinema theater has:

  • 67 fixed seats with stationary arms and cup holders. 

  • Seat cushions measure 16 x 16 inches.

  • 5 wheelchair spaces or 2 wheelchair spaces with 2 companion seats at the back of the theater. 

  • If you require wheelchair seating, wheelchair transfer seating or have a specific seating preference, make sure to order corresponding Wheelchair Seating tickets and submit an Access Request Form to assure availability. 

  • Event staff at DCTV will assist with storing wheelchairs and mobility devices and retrieving them at the end of the program.

Health and Safety

For the safety and comfort of all attendees, we ask that attendees wear face masks  throughout Access:Horror programs unless doing so isn't possible due to disability. Masks may be removed while eating and drinking.

We also ask that attendees avoid wearing any scented hygiene products or clothing washed in scented products.

Virtual

  • Order Virtual Ticket for live online access.

  • Livestream Zoom link will be sent out on the day of the event.

  • Recording of the live event will be shared with ticket holders following the event.

  • All virtual programs will take place live via Zoom at the same time as the in-person events at DCTV. Zoom link will be shared up to 24 hours prior to the event.

  • Virtual programs will include live captioning (CART) through the Zoom captioning feature, in addition to ASL interpretations. 

  • Links to audio described films will be sent via email and on the Zoom chat for virtual audiences.

  • Speakers will also include self-descriptions of themselves or any visual items they are presenting. 

  • Virtual audiences will be able to watch the programs and films in DCTV, but will not be able to participate or engage with the in-person space. 

  • Chat will be enabled to conduct respectful conversations, introductions, and discussions with other virtual attendees. 

  • During doors open (the 30 min before the start of each Access:Horror program) we invite virtual audiences to log-in and socialize via chat and video. A virtual monitor will be assigned to facilitate introductions and assure respectful conduct. 

    • Virtual “doors open” times:

      • 3:30-4pm EDT / 12:30-1pm PDT

      • 6:30-7pm EDT / 3:30-4pm PDT

Accommodations and FAQs

Is there captioning?

All films and programs at Access:Horror do have captioning. Each film will have open captions, and CART (live-captioning) will be available for all programs both in-person and virtually on Zoom.

CART live-captions will also be available via Stream Text, link to come. NOTE: Stream text will only appear while the live-panel takes place, at the scheduled event times.

Is there Audio Description?

Yes. All films have closed audio description available via assistive listening devices at the in-person DCTV screening. Devices can be requested at the Access Desk next to Box Office, subject to availability. You will be asked to leave a form of ID to ensure the safe return of the equipment. Only ticket holders may request assistive technology.

Is there Hearing Assist?

Yes. Hearing Assist (or “Hearing Impaired (HI)”) is available for all in-person DCTV programs via assisted listening devices. Devices can be requested at the Access Desk next to Box Office, subject to availability. You will be asked to leave a form of ID to ensure the safe return of the equipment. Only ticket holders may request assistive technology.

Is there ASL interpretation?

Yes. All Access:Horror live-programs will include ASL interpretation during intros, panels, conversations, and performances visible in-person and virtually.

Films will not include ASL interpretation, but will have captions.

How will Q&As work?

All film screening blocks will include a Q&A with filmmakers. In-person audiences at DCTV would have the opportunity to participate and ask questions during the Q+A. Virtual audiences would be able to watch the Q&A virtually, but will not be able to participate.

Do films have content warnings?

Each film page description includes content warnings, including strobing, flashing, sexual violence, extreme or disturbing imagery, and others. Please note all warnings before proceeding to screen a film to ensure content is safe for you.

Code of Conduct

What is the Access:Horror Code of Conduct?

The following are guidelines and standards that we will expect from all employees, guests, attendees and volunteers.

RESPECT

Treat all individuals with a sense of dignity, respect, and worth. Make a personal commitment to be nonjudgmental about personal differences. Be courteous and polite in all of your actions.

Abstain from abusive language and disruptive behavior that is dangerous to self and/or others.

Abstain from the use of audio or video recording equipment unless given written permission.

Respect all confidential information. Access:Horror respects any confidential information that is given and we ask you maintain the same standard.

Do not pressure anyone to accept your political, cultural, or religious beliefs.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY + PROFESSIONALISM

It is important to remember that we are focused on celebrating the films and filmmakers of Access:Horror. The festival is a great opportunity to network and make connections but we ask that you do so with respect to boundaries. This means participation in the chat is encouraged but please be mindful of your words. Solicitation or harassment will not be tolerated. In the case of any complaints, Access:Horror accessibility personnel will be available. If dismissal is necessary, parties will be dismissed from the entire festival without a refund.

DISMISSAL FROM ACCESS:HORROR

Whether you are staff, a volunteer, sponsor, filmmaker, invited guest or ticket holder, all people engaging in this virtual space must adhere to this code of conduct. Those who do not adhere to the rules and procedures of Access:Horror or who fail to follow the terms of this code of conduct will face possible dismissal from the festival. All incidents involving breach of code of conduct will be reviewed by Access:Horror supervisory staff. Possible grounds for dismissal may include, but are not limited to, the following: gross misconduct or insubordination, theft of property or misuse of agency materials, abuse or mistreatment of clients, guests, staff or other volunteers, failure to abide by agency policies and procedures, any form of harassment or assault.