Deafblind people require a different kind of support in a theatrical setting than the visually- or hearing-impaired. With the aim of establishing an accessibility system for deafblind theatergoers, this group conducts surveys of current services, the issues involved and theater accessibility overseas. It also undertakes research and development on the creation of teams to provide an accessible environment for deafblind theater patrons and the different ways of offering support, as well as educational activities that raise awareness of theater accessibility for deafblind people.

First year
(1) Research activities
Details:
•Interviews with 3 deafblind people living in Tokyo
•Online questionnaires sent to deafblind people and people involved in deafblind support nationwide, resulting in 28 deafblind respondents and 202 deafblind support-related respondents.
Date: June 2018 – March 2019
Venue: Tokyo

(2) 5th TA-net symposium
Details: At the 5th TA-net symposium group presented reports and shared information on current services and the issues involved.
Date: Sunday, March 17, 2019
Venue: OWLSPOT Theatre (Toshima Performing Arts Center)
Participants: 212
Report contents:
•Summary of online questionnaire responses and interview findings
•Report on deafblind theater accessibility workshops conducted, and their findings

Second year
(1) Overseas inspection visits and networking
Details: Organizers observed and experienced assisted theatergoing for themselves at events including Festival Clin d’Oeil* in France.
Date: July 1-8, 2019
* Festival Clin d’Oeil https://www.clin-doeil.eu/
Venue: The Comédie de Reims / The Saint-Exupéry cultural and digital centre (Reims, France)

(2) Latest news/announcements, debriefing
Details: Latest news/announcements concerning overseas inspection visits, debriefing
Date/time:
Friday, June 21, 2019: Deafblind theater accessibility survey report, send-off
Friday, July 12, 2019: Latest news/announcements (during regular July meeting)
Sunday, January 19, 2020: As part of the program for the 6th TA-net symposium, the group outlined/shared outcomes of overseas inspection visits through reports and discussion, creating awareness towards improving the environment surrounding theater accessibility for deafblind people in Japan.

Friday, June 21, 2019: Tokyo Welfare Center for People with Disabilities, 20 people
Friday, July 12, 2019: Tokyo Welfare Center for People with Disabilities, 20 people
Sunday, January 19, 2020: OWLSPOT Theatre (Toshima Performing Arts Center), 280 people

Third year
(1) Invitations and seminars
Details: The group will invite people from overseas involved in deafblind assistance and hold seminars.
Venue: Tokyo

(2) Educational activities
Details: Presentation and discussion at the 7th TA-net symposium.
Venue: Tokyo