Welcome to a resource guide specific for immersive creators on universal and accessible design principles! This guide is a work in progress. Expect updates in the days after the Immerse in Access event!
Or do you have information that should be included in here? Reach us at hello@immersivedenver.com! We will be continually updating with new strategies, resources, and contacts as this conversation continues here in Colorado and internationally.
Immerse in Access event resources
How can we create welcoming, affirmative spaces and experiences for all patrons, even under the constraints of limited budgets and resources? Read the detailed description about this event or jump into the resources here.
Video recordings and slides
Our “Immerse in Access” playlist on Youtube includes all three presentations. Start watching below or view the full playlist on Youtube here.
Lydia Garcia
Lydia is Executive Director of Equity and Organization Culture at the DCPA.
Carol Krueger
Carol is Theater Services Manager at the DCPA.
Regan Linton
Regan is Artistic Director of Phamaly Theatre Company.
Event handouts
- View or download the “10 Places to Start” handout (PDF)
- View or download the case study handout (PDF)
Additional resources mentioned
Department of Justice
justice.gov/crt/disability-rights-section
The Disability Rights Section works to achieve equal opportunity for people with disabilities in the United States by implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Americans with Disabilities Act
Access to Americans with Disabilities Act regulations.
ADA National Network
adata.org
(800) 949-4232
Various resources including blogs, social media, local networks, webinars and staff for questions. You can call and ask for advice regarding accessibility without fear that it could negatively impact your show, production company, or work due to being identified. They are truly there to help.
United States Access Board
The Access Board is an independent federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards
Kennedy Center Office of Accessibility
kennedy-center.org/visit/accessibility
(202) 416-8727
Nationally recognized as a leader in accessibility services for the performing arts. Betty Siegel and her team work with local organizations to put on the Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disabilities Conference every year.
Local and regional resources
Do you know of other local organizations that should be listed here? Let us know!
Hearing
Let’s Loop Colorado is dedicated to increasing the hearing accessibility of Colorado residents and visitors. They can provide presentations regarding the use of hearing loops, other assistive listening systems, and related topics. In addition, they maintain a map of Colorado locations outfitted with a hearing loop system, including 13 theatres. You can find the map here and additional informational and design resources on their “Resources” page.
View/download the 2019 Deaf Services Resource Guide compiled by the Denver government Office of Sign Language Services, which provides contact information for adaptive service providers among other resources.
Vision
The Area Agency on Aging lists various assistive providers and services for low vision aids, compiled by the Denver Regional Council of Governments.
The Colorado Center for the Blind is a world-renowned training and information center. They organize training seminars for professionals on blindness and in several individuals’ past experience, staff has been extremely generous with their time in helping creators develop experiences accessible to people who are blind.
How might I design better for...
Specific notes, advice, articles, and resources to consider when designing an immersive experience for all audiences. For ease of reference, these are organized by specific attributes and sensory abilities with which audience members might identify. Please see our editorial note at the bottom of the page for more context regarding the variable person-first and identity-first language used here.
Print & media design considerations
These posters were designed by the UK Home Office and can be download individually below or as a set via their website here. These materials focus on print and media content, which you might use in your experiences or as part of your collateral (e.g. event website or program).
Immerse in Access event coverage
Thank you to Stephanie Wolf of CPR News for this wonderful writeup about the event: “As Theater Takes Place In Increasingly Adventurous Settings, Advocates Want Creators To ‘Trailblaze’ On Accessibility Too“
Thank you to John Moore of the Denver Center for this detailed summary of the event: “How to approach improving accessibility? Start with, ‘Don’t be a jerk!’“
Editorial note
This text uses a combination of person-first and identity-first language based on the general preferences observed among various communities at large, as documented in the Health Journalism article “Identity-first versus person-first language is an important distinction” and in the Disability Language Style Guide. We acknowledge that some individuals prefer different language.
