A:
In general, Las Vegas is pretty accommodating to those with special needs, whether it be with regard to customized hotel rooms, wheelchair-friendly transportation, or even dealers who can sign. See our dedicated features in the LVA Visitor Guide and Transportation sections for more information.
As far as shows are concerned, obviously some lend themselves more to your wife's needs than others, with Las Vegas offering a lot of very visually oriented productions that would probably be a better bet than those based primarily on talking or music. Still, we checked into several shows at random to see what they offer for guests who are hearing impaired. Here's what we came up with:
- The Sahara states right on its website that it makes an effort to accommodate guests with special needs, including offering sign-language-interpretation services for the hearing impaired at no additional cost. To schedule an interpreter for a performance, email the Sahara at [email protected] or call the Reservation Center at 1/866-830-0287 or locally at 702/737-2654. The request must be received 7-10 days before the performance to ensure interpreter availability. Shows currently performing at the Sahara include Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show, The Magic & Tigers of Rick Thomas, and The Comedy Stop.
- The box office for Donny & Marie, performing at the Flamingo, informed us that they can provide a listening device for no additional charge (but get there early to secure it).
- Excalibur's long-running Tournament of Champions advertises on its website that the hearing impaired can call the box office 72 hours in advance to order an interpreter. A $5-per-ticket charge will be added.
- Le Rêve, the Franco Dragone-created visual spectacular at the Wynn, provides wireless devices at the box office for the hearing impaired.
- Like Le Rêve, all of Las Vegas' resident Cirque du Soleil shows are visual-heavy, but some are more suited to your needs than others. Criss Angel Believe contains the most talking. Similarly, O, KÀ, and Mystère are visually oriented. Zumanity and LOVE, on the other hand, have a more audible dimension, particularly the latter (the Beatles' music tribute). At all Cirque shows, give them notice and an interpreter will be provided.
- As an alternative to production shows, we checked with the Palms for its movie theaters and concert venue. Brenden Theaters offers infrared headsets for the hearing impaired, while Pearl (which has excellent sound, in general), offers hearing-impaired seating.
Our brief survey indicates that many entertainment venues will happily accommodate your wife's needs, although some require more notice than others. As a rule of thumb, we recommend that you call a few days in advance (and prior to booking your tickets) to ensure that your needs will be taken care of.
Update 03 September 2010
A reader writes:
"I was at a
Danny Gans show a number of years ago. I am hearing impaired and seated at our table was a man and his wife, who was blind. I jokingly said, 'You tell me what Danny is saying and I'll tell you what he's wearing.' We got through it OK."
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