sensory-friendly

#TBT: Accessibility in the Arts

This past year, contributor Kate Tsai gave us several fantastic articles about accommodating disabilities for arts non-profits. It really seemed to interest our readers so we wanted to re-post some of the Kate's best articles, and remind our audience of a few past gems as well.

First Kate gave us a fantastic infographic about many different types of impairments and disabilities that can create barriers when interacting with an arts organization. In addition, she walked us through 6 quick ways to adjust websites, making them more readable and clear for audiences of all kinds. 

Some of our most well-read accessibility articles center on technology for museums. In the spirit of other brief overviews. In 2016, contributor Christine Nolan showed audiences just which technologies can contribute to a more accessible and audience-friendly museum experience. 

 

5 Technologies with the Potential to Enhance the Museum Experience

In the same vein, contributor Stephanie Sun wrote about 5 technologies that give audiences ways to connect differently with the arts experience. Although these weren't highlighted directly as opportunities to improve accessibility in Museums, they are all opportunities in these areas. For instance, 3-D scanning has made it possible for Museums to create touchable replicas for people with vision impairment. What are some other applications of these technologies that open doors for improved accessibility. 

Opening Doors

Museums are not the only ones looking to accommodate a wider range of audiences. Contributor Christine Sajewski writes a two-part piece on what sensory-friendly performances are and how they are implemented effectively in the field. The first part focuses on the 'what' and the second part focuses on the 'how'.

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New Publication Available: Engaging Audiences Through Sensory-Friendly Performances

New Publication Available: Engaging Audiences Through Sensory-Friendly Performances

AMT Lab's latest publication Opening Doors: Welcoming New Audiences with Sensory-Friendly Performances, is a useful guide for organizations seeking to learn more about the needs and challenges of creating sensory-friendly programming programming. Based on interviews with several sensory-friendly program directors and artists from Pittsburgh Ballet TheatreImagination StageThe Kennedy Center, and TDF’s Autism Theatre Initiative, this publication discusses best practices and important considerations for program development.

Opening Doors: The People Behind Sensory-Friendly Programs

Opening Doors: The People Behind Sensory-Friendly Programs

One of the most important aspects of successful sensory-friendly programming is the proper training and involvement of staff, volunteers, and artists. Despite any initial concerns or nerves about the uncertainties with this programming, staff members at every organization I spoke with were eager to get involved. This is the third post in our series on sensory-friendly programming.

Opening Doors: Best Practices for Developing Sensory-Friendly Programs

Opening Doors: Best Practices for Developing Sensory-Friendly Programs

In part 1 of Opening Doors, I reflected on sensory-friendly programming through my personal experience at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. These performances create an incredible opportunity for arts organizations to include individuals and families from around their communities. Yet effective implementation requires time and in-depth planning with staff and community partners. This second post continues the discussion looking at best practices related to sensory-friendly program design.

Opening Doors: Welcoming New Audiences with Sensory-Friendly Performances

Opening Doors: Welcoming New Audiences with Sensory-Friendly Performances

For many families and individuals, the experience of attending a performing arts program is hindered by physical or developmental challenges. And with 1 in 68 American children on the autism spectrum, by neglecting this significant population, our institutions are failing to serve a large part of their community. Sensory-friendly programming creates a performance environment where the traditional theater rules are relaxed to better accommodate a variety of audience members. This introduction is the first in a series of posts on sensory-friendly programming.