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How many accessibility devices your cinema needs
Enter your screens and seats; get the minimum number of each device the US rules require, with the rule each number comes from. Useful before an audit, a refurbishment or a new site.
Your cinema
Minimum required
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Arithmetic from 28 CFR §36.303(g) and 2010 ADA Standards Table 219.3. Not legal advice; state law and building codes can require more.
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Where the numbers come from
Captioning and audio description minimums come from 28 CFR §36.303(g), the Department of Justice movie theater rule. Assistive listening receivers come from Table 219.3 of the 2010 ADA Standards, calculated per auditorium unless every receiver works with every system in the building. Definitions are in open and closed captions, audio description and assistive listening systems.
This is arithmetic from the published rules, not legal advice. State law and building codes can add requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How many captioning devices does a movie theater need?
4 for one digital auditorium, 6 for 2–7, 8 for 8–15 and 12 for 16 or more, under 28 CFR §36.303(g).
Can assistive listening receivers count as audio description devices?
Yes, if they have at least two channels, under the same rule.
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