For people with disabilities, going to e ntertainment events might sometimes seem difficult.

However, MSU students with disabilities have several options when it comes to going out in the Lansing area.

Celebration! Cinema, 200 E. Edgewood Blvd. in Lansing, offers students with physical disabilities special areas for wheelchairs or scooters and chairs for their guests at its movie theater.

Celebration! Cinema manager Todd Hiler said people with disabilities only need to ask if they need any kind of accommodation.

"They can come see any of our employees," Hiler said. "We're all more than willing."

Hiler also said the cinema provides an amplifier linked to headphones for students with hearing impairments.

There are other movie options for students, such as free movies with an MSU ID at Wells Hall during the school year every weekend.

No-preference sophomore Christopher Homeister, who is paralyzed on the right side of his body, said he likes going to the Wells movies because they are shown in classrooms with accessible seating.

"Those are great because we sat at the top and could see everything," Homeister said.

Students interested in live entertainment, such as plays and concerts on campus, have options as well.

At the Wharton Center, spokesman Bob Hoffman said students with hearing and physical disabilities can contact the box office to request accessible seating and to request a sign-language interpreter.

"We also have ear devices free of charge from house management," Hoffman said. The devices, Hoffman said, can be used to amplify the sound of what's being performed on stage.

Hoffman also said he believes the Wharton Center tries to accommodate students with disabilities because everyone should have the chance to come there.

"I think the performing arts are for everyone and people with disabilities should enjoy art," Hoffman said. "When you come, regardless of your handicap, you should be able to have a good time."

To get to the off-campus events, there are many ways students, including freshman not allowed to have cars on campus, can get there.

The Capital Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, offers 14 fixed routes with buses that are equipped with ramps, as well as a special service called Spec-Tran, which transports students who qualify to where they need to go.

If the place where students want to go isn't accessible or doesn't have any adaptive technology, they can also get help from Stephen Blosser, an assistive technology specialist at the Artificial Language Laboratory.

"Arrangements can be made where we have sign language interpreters who stand in front of or stand by a student," Blosser said.

Michael Hudson, director of the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, said if students are unsure of whether a place is accessible or not, there are some things they can do to make sure trips go smoothly.

"I think if I thought there was a chance something would be inaccessible, I would check in ahead of time and ask if there are going to be barriers," Hudson said.

He added most new places, such as stores and restaurants, are accessible, but if students find a place that is inaccessible, there are things they can do.

"If you wanted to be an activist, you could talk to the management of the facility," Hudson said. "You can say, 'Here's what's stopping us from visiting your facility,' and if you find resistance or a stubborn attitude, you can push a little more."