The Walters Cultural Arts Center strives to accommodate the needs of all patrons and offers various options for accessibility to assist with providing the best possible experience of our programming.
Please see information below for specific accommodations we can provide.
If you would like to discuss your specific needs to attend a performance, event, or class at the Walters, call 503-615-3485 or Email Us.
Accessing the Walters Cultural Arts Center
Entrances
The Walters has two sets of entrance doors on the east side of the building. These entrances are accessible by ramps from both the north and south side of the building.
When facing the entrance, the set of doors on the right are also equipped with an automatic door opener.
Please note, the three sets of doors the south side of the building (along Main St) on the terrace are locked and not accessible from the outside. This often gets confused for the entrance of the building, so please keep moving along Main St. toward the east side of the building to enter.
Parking
The Walters parking lot is located on the north side of the building and can be accessed from 5th Avenue. There are three designated accessible parking spots at the east end of the parking lot, near the front entrance of the building.
Elevator & Rest Rooms
All levels of the building are accessible by elevator access.
The Walters has restrooms on the basement and 2nd floor levels that are ADA accessible.
The restrooms on the basement level have multiple stalls and are gender specific. The restrooms on the 2nd floor are single user and all user.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome inside the Walters Cultural Arts Center, but pets are not allowed inside the building.
Attending Performances & Events
When visiting the Walters Cultural Arts Center, our team is happy to provide specific accommodations to ensure you have a successful visit. To discuss seating assistance or other accommodations, contact the Walters Box Office at 503-615-3485 or at BoxOffice@Hillsboro-Oregon.gov. Our staff will be happy to assist you.
Seating Choices
Seating accommodations can be offered to assist based on the needs of the patron, including reserving accessible seating for patrons using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
If you need a seating accommodation to attend a ticketed event, you can note this when reserving your tickets. Our staff will follow up with you to confirm the details and seating will be reserved for you when you arrive.
If you arrive for an event and have not reserved seating, but find that you need a seating accommodation, just check in at the Box Office for assistance. We will assist in finding seating for you and at least one additional attendee in an adjacent seat, though we will do our best to seat you with your full party if possible.
Theatre Seating
Our standard theatre chairs do not have arms, but we can provide a chair with arms upon request.
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices are available for every performance. These devices amplify the performance and enhance the words spoken on stage by separating speech from background noise. Devices can be checked out at the Box Office on the night of the show.
Sensory Processing Supports
The Walters will include information about any potential sensory sensitivities when promoting a performance, event, or class. This could include information about the use of bright lights, loud sound effects, or other possible sensory concerns.
Sensory Kits
To improve the experience of all our visitors, we have sensory kits available at the front desk and in each of our classrooms. These kits contain earmuffs, sunglasses, fidget items, a medium weight lap pad, a glitter wand, and a bubble timer. Items in the kits are sanitized between uses.
Acoustics in the Walters Theatre
The Walters Theatre has amazing acoustics for transmitting sound due to the stone walls and high arched ceilings of the space. This means that it is a wonderful space for a live music and other performances.
We have a highly qualified sound engineer who adjusts the sound levels during performances and events to ensure the comfort of both the audience and the performers. With performances including drums or horn instruments, there can still be times when the sound can feel intense or at too high of a level.
If you have sensory processing concerns, you may wish to bring a set of ear plugs or earmuffs when attending a performance or event in the Theatre. They may not be necessary, but you’ll have them just in case you need them.
Ear Plugs & Earmuffs
The Walters Box Office can provide disposable ear plugs upon request. We also have a limited supply of earmuffs available.
Have Questions?
Contact the Walters staff at 503-615-3485 or Email Us. Our staff will be happy to assist you.
