Maine Concert Venues Become First in State to Use Deaf-Friendly Alert App

Going to a concert is supposed to be loud. That’s kind of the whole point.

But in a packed venue with music blasting, lights flashing, and people everywhere, it can be hard to know if something serious is happening. And for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, that challenge is even bigger.

Now, two Maine concert venues are trying to make shows safer and more accessible.

According to an article from WGME 13, The State Theatre in Portland and Thompson’s Point have become the first deaf-friendly concert venues in Maine by using a new app called ALRM.

The next time you’re at either venue, you may notice signs calling them “ALRM zones.” Those signs include QR codes that let concertgoers download the free app.

ALRM sends real-time alerts if it detects dangerous sounds nearby, like gunshots or fire alarms. Anyone in or near the venue who has the app downloaded can automatically receive an alert if the app picks up certain emergency sounds, WGME explained.

The app was created by Gavin Phelan, a high school student who is hard of hearing. He says the idea came after the Lewiston mass shooting, where four members of the deaf community were among those killed.

WGME went on to explain that Phelan says people who are deaf or hard of hearing often have no way to recognize an emergency through sound alone. But in loud places like concerts, he says the app can help everyone, even people with normal hearing.

Lauren Wayne from the State Theatre says partnering with Phelan was an easy decision because the goal is simple: bring people together safely and make concerts accessible for everybody.

ALRM is free and available for both iPhone and Android.