Prioritizing Accessibility in Performing Arts
Informed Indigenous Context
Tuesday July 14th, full day 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Lunch 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
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.
Addressing Cultural Perspectives Around Disability
Thursday July 21st, full day 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Lunch 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
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)
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.
2025 Learning labs
Learning Lab #1
Friday, May 23rd, 2025 9:00-1:00
Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre (Minor Sports Room)
265 Cannifton Road, Belleville
You’ll gain practical tools and insights on:
Identifying and prioritizing access needs
Navigating AODA responsibilities
Addressing cognitive and cultural inclusion
Assessing physical spaces and service practices to foster welcoming, inclusive environments for all patrons
This session is ideal for arts workers, venue operators, performers, and community organizers who want to build more accessible and equitable spaces in the performing arts.
Summary
This session focused on deepening understanding and action around accessibility in the performing arts. Participants began by reflecting on the online e-module, discussing the personal relevance and value of disability inclusion, including its return on investment (ROI).
Group discussions explored the unique challenges and questions related to making performing arts accessible in various settings. Participants also reviewed research and identified key accessibility needs to prioritize moving forward.
The lab then shifted into a deeper exploration of responsibilities under the AODA, the importance of staff training, and the intersections of disability, culture, and inclusion. Special attention was given to neurodivergence and cognitive-related access considerations.
An overview of on-site accessibility assessments followed, examining both physical spaces (entrances, washrooms, auditorium, etc.) and service-based access (assistance, ASL, audio description, captioning, and more). Participants shared observations and expressed additional concerns.
The day closed with a recap and open discussion, reinforcing the importance of collaboration, continuous learning, and commitment to accessibility in performing arts environments.
Learning Lab #2
Monday, May 26th, 2025 1:00-5:00
Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre (Minor Sports Room)
265 Cannifton Road, Belleville
Summary
Day 2 will focus on digital accessibility and how performing arts organizations can create more inclusive online spaces and tools.
The session will begin with a hands-on workshop on creating accessible digital documents, where participants learn how to design materials that are readable, screen-reader friendly, and usable by people with diverse abilities.
A group discussion follows around website accessibility, using updated assessment reports to explore what makes a website accessible and meaningful for users with disabilities. Participants review best practices, key content, and common barriers that prevent access.
The lab also includes a collaborative conversation about the value of tailored online tools, such as:
Guidelines for welcoming and interacting with people with disabilities
Fact sheets for various disability types (e.g., sensory, mobility, neuro divergence)
Website and first-contact features that show a strong commitment to inclusion
The day wraps with a call to action through the “We Are Accessibility Minded” campaign, encouraging organizations in the Quinte/County area to publicly commit to accessibility and take practical steps toward greater inclusion.