Accessibility

Accessibility

Accessibility Policy 2024

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2022-2026

What does TIFF do to support audience accessibility needs?

What if I require accessible/companion seating?

How do I find out about accessibility accommodations at each Festival venue?

What are lobby passes?

What if I am accompanied by a service animal?

How do I find films that have closed-captioning, open captions, or descriptive sound?

Accessibility Policy 2024

Click here to view our accessibility policy.

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2022-2026

Click here to view our 5 year accessibility plan.

What does TIFF do to support audience accessibility needs?

TIFF strives to be accessible to all our audiences. We work closely with our accessibility stakeholders to help inform best accessibility practices and to provide welcoming and inclusive film-going experiences.

TIFF has improved its Festival accessibility over the past few years, including increased availability of CaptiView, assisted listening devices, and captioning on our short-form video content where possible. To find in-person screenings that offer closed-captioning or descriptive sound (CC/DS) options, please visit tiff.net/films (Festival) or tiff.net/calendar (year-round), open “Filters” and from the drop-down menu labelled “Accessibility,” select the appropriate filter.

Open-captioning will be offered on screen in real-time at TIFF’s In Conversation With… in-person events.

For physical accessibility, TIFF’s screening venues the TIFF Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, the Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre, Cinesphere, Glen Gould Studio and the Hyatt Regency Toronto are suitably accessible. All levels of these venues can be accessed via lobby elevators, which provide wheelchair access and assisted seating. The Royal Alexandra Theatre is a heritage building, the majority of which is only accessible by stairs. However, its main-level facilities and services are accessible. To find more information on venue accessibility, click here.

If you have further questions about TIFF’s accessibility please contact accessibility@tiff.net.

Accessible and companion seating must be booked over the phone. If you require assistance, our Call Centre is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm at 416-599-2033 or 1-888-258-8433.

ASL sign language is also available on-demand for our Industry programming. Industry delegates can contact registration@tiff.net for assistance.

Films screened at the Festival are yet to have their theatrical release, and public release dates could be months or years away. Many films may still be in production and not in their final theatrical release format and may present challenges with the availability of accessible film formats. The decision to closed-caption a film remains at the discretion of the film’s rights holder or studio. TIFF actively encourages filmmakers to provide accessible formats for their films where possible.

What if I require accessible/companion seating?

All TIFF screenings offer accessible seating. Seating is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Though we do our best to accommodate every request, seating cannot be guaranteed.

Accessible and companion seating must be booked over the phone. Our Call Centre is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm at 416-599-2033 or 1-888-258-8433.

At TIFF Lightbox, other accessible building facilities include:

  • Escalators to each level with publicly accessible cinema
  • Lobby elevators with access to all levels
  • Barrier-free washroom facilities on each level

For accessibility information at other Festival venues, please visit the following websites:

How do I find out about accessibility accommodations at each Festival venue?

All Festival venues offer accessible and companion seating in each cinema. Seating is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Though we do our best to accommodate every request, seating cannot be guaranteed. Accessible and companion seating must be booked over the phone. Our Call Centre is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm at 416-599-2033 or 1-888-258-8433.

At TIFF Lightbox, other accessible building facilities include:

  • Escalators to each level with publicly accessible cinema
  • Lobby elevators with access to all levels
  • Barrier-free washroom facilities on each level

For accessibility information at other Festival venues, please visit the following websites:

What are lobby passes?

Lobby passes can be requested by any Festival ticket holder who has an accessibility consideration that limits their ability to stand in a lineup at a venue. There is a designated waiting area in each venue where a lobby pass may be used. Access to the designated waiting area is granted to the visitor and their companion (if required) upon presentation of a lobby pass to a TIFF Front of House Representative, along with a valid ticket. The nature of the lobby access varies by venue, and space may be limited.

Lobby pass requests will open in mid-August, following Festival ticket on-sale dates. For any questions, please reach out to customerrelations@tiff.net.

What if I am accompanied by a service animal?

Guide dogs and service animals are welcome in all public spaces at TIFF Lightbox, including the cinemas. Please note that Front of House staff may request that you provide documentation from a regulated health professional confirming the animal is required due to a disability, as per the AODA’s Customer Service Standards.

How do I find films that have closed-captioning, open captions, or descriptive sound?

TIFF strives to be accessible to all our patrons and to offer as many films as possible with closed-captioning, open captions, or descriptive sound. To find in-person screenings that offer accessible options, please visit tiff.net/films (Festival) or tiff.net/calendar (year-round), open the drop-down menu labelled “Accessibility,” and select the appropriate filter.