21 Feb Hearing Loop Installation at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion Posted at 11:29h in
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, located in New Franken, Wisconsin is known for its beautiful chapel, home to the oldest Marian shrine in the United States. The shrine was founded in 1850 and attracts thousands of visitors each year due to its rich history and devotion to the Virgin Mary. Over the years, the Shrine has invested in various improvements to enhance the visitor experience, including for those with hearing loss.
In 2024, Contacta Inc dealer in Wisconsin, DRS Sound, were called upon to install a hearing loop system in the Shrine’s chapel to make the services and ceremonies more accessible to those with hearing loss. The project was significant in supporting the Shrine’s dedication to ensuring that everyone, regardless of hearing ability, could fully engage in its religious services and events. The hearing loop installation marked a significant improvement in the shrine’s accessibility and inclusivity.
Project Overview
The loop required precise design to meet the specific needs of the venue. The chapel consists of two large areas that required the loop to deliver the audio either separately or jointly, when both spaces are combined for larger events with one audio source. The loop design had to ensure full coverage for both configurations. DRS Sound created a tailored plan that incorporated the loop across both spaces. Utilizing two Contacta V22a-Pro drivers the two loops were fed into the venue Matrix system, which enabled the venue to use the loops either separately with two audio feeds, or as a larger joint space with one feed.
Challenges and Solutions
The installation of the hearing loop system came with some challenges. One of the main tasks involved careful lifting and replacing carpet tiles to cover the loop wires according to the design. The team also had to adjust and set audio time delays to ensure the sound from the loop coincides with the PA system. Positioning of the signage was also a challenge as was the electrical setup.
Collaboration and Future Plans
DRS Sound has been working with the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion for over a year and continues to be a trusted partner in enhancing the venue’s accessibility. The long-term collaboration has fostered a positive working relationship between DRS Sound, the venue Audio team, and Contacta, Inc. As for future plans, DRS Sound looks forward to supporting the Shrine in any future accessibility projects to ensure their services remain inclusive for all visitors.