Accessibility in Performing Arts Training Series

2026 Learning Labs

Informed Indigenous Context

Tuesday July 14th, full day 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Lunch 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)

Location: The Landing (75 S Church St, Belleville)

This session will provide participants with foundational knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures, lived experiences, and contemporary realities. Through discussion and reflection, participants will explore the impacts of colonization, the importance of relationship-building, and approaches to creating respectful, informed, and inclusive arts and community spaces. The session encourages participants to deepen understanding and consider their individual and organizational responsibilities in supporting reconciliation and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities.

Cultural Perspectives Around Disability

Tuesday, July 21st, full day 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Lunch 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)

Location: The Landing (75 S Church St, Belleville)

This session will explore the intersection of Indigenous perspectives, disability, culture, diversity, and accessibility within the performing arts and community spaces. Participants will engage with discussions around awareness, sensitivity, inclusion, and belonging, while examining how cultural understandings of disability shape experiences and barriers. The session will encourage thoughtful dialogue and identify pathways toward more accessible, culturally responsive, and inclusive practices.

Approaches to Inclusion from an Indigenous and Disabled Lens

Tuesday August 4th, full day 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Lunch 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)

Location: The Landing (75 S Church St, Belleville)

Designed as an interactive and reflective gathering, this session will explore approaches to inclusion, engagement, communication, and problem solving through both Indigenous and disability-informed perspectives. Participants will engage in guided discussion, shared learning, and collaborative reflection focused on strengthening empathy, accessibility, and collective responsibility within organizations and the performing arts sector.

Facilitator Information

Dr. Terri-Lynn Brennan

Executive Director, LodgePole Arts Alliance

Dr. Terri-Lynn Brennan is a respected intercultural planner, educator, sociologist, public policy writer, and community leader of Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) and British ancestry, with family roots at Six Nations of the Grand River. She is the Executive Director and founding member of LodgePole Arts Alliance and the Founder and CEO of Inclusive Voices Inc. Her work spans more than three decades and focuses on social justice, Indigenous self-determination, equity, reconciliation, and community engagement. Dr. Brennan has worked internationally and across Canada, helping organizations and communities build respectful relationships, inclusive practices, and culturally informed approaches to leadership and policy. Through LodgePole Arts Alliance, she is helping advance a vision for an Indigenous-led creative and cultural centre grounded in Eastern Woodland Indigenous knowledge, arts, and storytelling.

Website:
LodgePole Arts Alliance

Rachel Marks

Executive Director, Réseau SPARC Network & Accessibility Consultant

Rachel Marks is an accessibility advocate, consultant, educator, and arts leader dedicated to advancing inclusion in the performing arts. As Executive Director of Réseau SPARC Network (Supporting Performing Arts in Rural and Remote Communities), she works with artists, presenters, and organizations across Ontario to strengthen accessibility, community engagement, and sustainable arts practices. Drawing on extensive experience in theatre production, arts education, and disability advocacy, Rachel is recognized as a leading specialist in Relaxed Performances and accessible arts experiences. Through consulting, training, and public speaking, she helps organizations remove barriers and create welcoming cultural spaces where Deaf, Disabled, neurodiverse, and equity-deserving communities can participate fully in the arts.

Website:
https://www.sparcperformingarts.com
https://www.rachelmarks.ca