Accessibility Training
Expand accessibility and disability inclusion in your organization through tailored training sessions and workshops led by our accessibility consultants.
FOR BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS
About A.B.L.E. Accessibility Training
Since 2016, A.B.L.E. has been creating innovative theatre and film projects for, with, and by actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A.B.L.E. has built a methodology rooted in fostering agency and celebrating the creativity of individuals of all abilities.
A.B.L.E. offers engaging virtual and in-person Accessibility Training to help your organization demonstrate your commitment to diversity and accessibility. Our team has been trusted by the Lyric Opera, Paramount Theatre, and Northlight Theatre.
We've worked with:
Why book an Accessibility Training?
Collaboration
The heart of theatre is saying “yes, and” to new ideas and responding and adapting in the moment. Your team can practice these skills in an open, nonjudgmental environment and come away with a greater sense of camaraderie.
Communication
A.B.L.E. values verbal and non-verbal communication and models how to proactively accommodate a range of communication and learning styles in our sessions.
Cultural Competency
All sessions are co-led by A.B.L.E.’s Creative Associates—actors with intellectual disabilities. Your team will learn directly from disabled leaders. You will come away with a greater awareness of the disability community and actionable ways to make your work more accessible.
Participant from an Inclusive Devising Workshop
Participant from an Understanding and Engaging the 8 Senses Masterclass
Northlight Theatre
Participant from a Communicating About Disability Masterclass
Paramount Theatre
Lyric Opera
Accessibility Training Topics
Choose from available sessions like making rehearsals more accessible, improving disability representation, or enhancing digital accessibility, or collaborate with our staff to create a custom curriculum tailored to your group’s goals.
All sessions can be offered in-person or virtually.
10 Tips for an Inclusive Rehearsal
We’ll take you through a typical A.B.L.E. rehearsal. Along the way, you’ll learn several strategies for scaffolding and leading sessions, including creating a sensory toolbox, using effective visual aids, and appealing to varying communication styles. This session is ideal for Teaching Artists, directors, performers, and arts educators who want to revitalize their practice and develop tools and techniques for making sessions more inclusive.
Improv 101
In this fun, play-based session, we’ll share games and exercises aimed at learning the basic rules of Improv: 1) say yes, 2) build on, 3) be generous, 4) be bold! This session will benefit any group that wants to nurture communication, teamwork, and adaptability.
Disability Representation on Stage and Screen
Even though 1 in 4 individuals in the US has a disability, it is still rare to see people with disabilities on our stages and screens. In this session, we’ll explore some problematic disability stereotypes, learn how to spot inspiration porn, and share examples of positive representation.
Communicating About Disability
How we talk about and to each other matters. However, it can be hard to know what language to use when speaking about disability. We will explore the Medical, Social, and Affirmative Models of disability and how language and attitudes about disability over time. We’ll unpack the history behind some problematic terms and workshop advocating for inclusive language in their communities.
Digital Accessibility for the Everyday User
The internet can be a scary place. We’ll start with the places where you can make the most impact. In this session, you’ll learn context and best practices for making your online presence accessible to the widest possible audience, utilize a range of testing tools to create alt text, test color contrast, and write captions, link text, and plain language guides. You will come away with actionable ways you can make your content more accessible.
Understanding & Engaging the 8 Senses
We’ll explore all 8 (yes, 8!) senses and learn practical strategies for anticipating and accommodating participants with sensory processing needs.
Public Masterclasses
In addition to our contracted sessions, A.B.L.E. offers pay-what-you-can public trainings for solo artists and individuals to learn together.Â
FAQs
How much does it cost?
A.B.L.E. strives to offer high-quality instruction at an affordable rate for our partners. Accessibility Training sessions are priced on a sliding scale based on the size of the host organization, the number of participants, and session content.
Base Fees:
The base price for a 2-hour presentation for up to 24 participants is $900. We also offer consulting services starting at $150/hr.
We also offer pay-what-you-can masterclasses throughout the year for independent professionals who would like to pursue training on your own.
When can Accessibility Training sessions take place?
Availability varies throughout the year, but we have a range of daytime, evening, and weekend hours. Please book at least 6 weeks in advance for best availability.
What can we expect?
Our interactive two-hour sessions are designed to nurture conversation, reflection, and participation for up to 24 participants. As with all A.B.L.E. programming, every session is designed to cater to a range of learning and communication styles. You’ll experience our industry-leading play-based approach first-hand.
A.B.L.E. will send a social story before your session so you know what to expect, and a resource list so you can continue learning after your session.
Where do sessions take place?
The host organization takes responsibility for securing a venue and requisite insurance. Our team will discuss any specific room requirements based on the type of session you choose. Facilities should be ADA-compliant and temperature-controlled. We can also facilitate sessions virtually via Zoom.
Who leads the sessions?
Accessibility Training sessions are co-led by A.B.L.E.’s senior Teaching Artists and supported by our Creative Associates—A.B.L.E. staff members with disabilities.
We're not a theatre company—is that okay?
A.B.L.E. can tailor sessions for any group that wants to promote a culture of team building, communication, and empathy. Of course, we’re happy to support teaching artists, directors, educators, and fellow performing arts professionals, but this work applies to teams from any sector!
What do participants need for an Accessibility Training session?
Bring yourself! A.B.L.E.’s teaching team will supply visual aids and support materials. A.B.L.E. sessions incorporate a range of activities that engage the whole group, as well as small group and partner work. The agenda will vary depending on the session topic. We will send a social story before your session with more details to help you prepare.
