In our society, the idea of ensuring that all have sufficient access to the sound we provide has been codified into law. In the U.S., in particular, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990, and it has since been revised and updated (as of 2010). Public places must offer assistive listening receivers to at least 4% of the audience, and at least 25% of the receivers must be hearing aid compatible. These legal requirements apply to facilities with amplified audio, an occupant load of 50 or more and fixed seating. Across most of the U.S., these legal requirements do not apply to religious entities, with the exception of California and Texas, which legally require religious entities to adhere to federal law; and the expectation is that other states will follow suit. That said, are we really so callous that we must be forced by law to help ensure that everyone in the room can hear our presentation clearly? Of course not, and we all know that providing the necessary solution is the right thing to do.
From “Sound Sanctuary” by John McJunkin, FRONT of HOUSE, June 2024, page 43
