Our concert venues are equipped with an induction loop system.

What is an induction loop system? 

An inductive loop system is a technical aid that eases access to music and speech for people with hearing disabilities during events.

Who is an induction loop system intended for?

• For individuals who wear a hearing aid or a cochlear implant (CI) and whose devices have a T-coil. 

The inductive loop system transmits the sound directly to the hearing aid, without the disturbance of ambient noise.

In this way, individuals with hearing aids can better and more clearly hear music, speech, and presentations.

How does an induction loop system work? 

At our events, the audio signal (music on stage, spoken presentations, etc.) gets picked up by a microphone and converted into a magnetic signal. The signal is then transmitted via an induction loop that is installed in the room. This type of induction loop is an inconspicuous, 2mm thick cable of copper, which can either be embedded in the floor of the room (a permanent installation) or laid out temporarily in the room (portable version).

Hearing aids and cochlear implants (CI) with activated T-coils receive this signal directly. This means that:

• Sounds reach the hearing aid/CI directly

• Bothersome ambient noise such as reverberations, noises in the distance, or noises from the audience are reduced

• Music and speech are heard more clearly and with more nuance

Activating the T-coil:  

Modern hearing aids can often be managed from a smartphone app. On such apps, the T-coil can directly be managed and activated. When event venues do not have a permanently installed induction loop system, we ensure that a portable induction loop is installed. We are also happy to make these systems available for use at external events – Contact us if you are interested!

What is speech-to-text interpretation? 

Speech-to-text interpretation turns spoken language into reality in written form. Everything that is spoken or sung on stage appears simultaneously as written text on a display or projector screen. This makes it possible to read everything live at all times.

Who is speech-to-text interpretation meant for? 

• People who are deaf or hard of hearing

• People for whom written speech is more accessible

• People who may experience acoustic barriers in some spaces, such as in loud rooms

• And for all who would like to more easily follow along with song lyrics and announcements

How does speech-to-text interpretation work?

Our professionally trained speech-to-text interpreters listen to the spoken content and convert it live to written text, primarily with the help of specialized technology. The text is then displayed directly on a screen or projector. In this way, all participants can follow the unfolding of events word for word. Spoken/sung content is thereby visible and understandable. 

We are delighted with our collaboration with saccessible.eu and thank Judith Platter and her team for their engagement in our events and their valuable contributions to a world with fewer barriers.

What is Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS)? 

Austrian Sign Language is a distinct, full fledged language with its own grammar, forms of expression, and cultural particularities. It is not a translation of spoken German, but rather a visual language, which is communicated with the hands, with facial expressions, and with body movements. (Source: ÖGSDV)

Since 2005, Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS) has been recognized as an independent language in the Austrian Federal Constitution, and in 2013 it was recognized by the Austrian UNESCO Commission as an intangible cultural heritage. (Source: Austrian Federation for the Deaf, 2013). 

For whom is it intended?

• Deaf individuals, for whom sign language is the most important form of communication

• People who are hard of hearing, who favor visual communication

• And for all who would like to participate in an inclusive and barrier-free culture 

ÖGS Interpretation

In ÖGS interpretation, spoken content such as presentations, lyrics, or speeches is interpreted live on stage into Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS).

Our ÖGS interpreters do not copy content word for word, but rather convey the essence and cultural meaning as it transfers from spoken to sign language. This allows deaf guests to follow the content.

ÖGS interpreters and ÖGS language assistants are present not only on the stage, but also at the box office and in the event room, in order facilitate communication.

Signing Poetry

Signing poetry (also known as sign language poetry and visual vernacular) is an artistic expression of sign language. Elements such as movement, rhythm, space, facial expressions, and the body are used as poetic devices, in order to make it possible to visually experience sung lyrics.

The texts are not translated, but rather performed in sign language itself. Sign language poetry is an important part of Deaf culture. It is comparable to poetry, song, or performance in spoken language.

With Beat the Silence, we want the incorporation of sign language poetry to make a clear statement that accessibility means not only physical access, but also artistic diversity, visibility, and cultural recognition.

"One only need watch two people conversing in sign language once to understand that this language has something playful about it, a style that is distinctly different from that of spoken language. Sign language users tend to improvise, to play with the signs, to infuse their humor, their imagination, their personality into their signing, so that […] it becomes that person's voice – a voice imbued with a particularly special power because it communicates so directly via the body." (Source: Sacks, 2008, p. 177)

Our concerts are supplemented by the interactive exhibit “Hands Up” by Equalizent. This exhibit makes it possible to experience Austrian Sign Language in easy-access ways and takes visitors on a trip through the world of silence. The exhibit makes an important contribution to raising awareness and to reducing anxieties around contact between hearing and deaf people.

Regardless of their level of prior knowledge, visitors get a glimpse into the language which is, for many deaf individuals, the central means of communication and cultural identity. In addition, they acquire an understanding for how a world beyond hearing is experienced and designed.

In order to ensure that guests have enough time to visit the exhibit, our doors open an hour before the concert begins. In addition, the exhibit can also be visited during intermission and after the concert.

A huge thank you goes especially to Hands Up and Equalizent for their collaboration on Beat the Silence. 

Our lighting technician, along with our specially designed visual effects, which are tailored to the rhythm and feeling of the music, ensure an immersive and professional visual experience at our concerts.

Our name says it all: Alongside poetic music, our artful program incorporates percussion and beats. The artists and our sound engineer design the music to be physically palpable via bass. This necessitates a technically precise translation that is closely tailored to the space, the audience, and their perception.