Events I Accessibility Peer Group I Dee Delaney Arts Accessibility Fund I Resources
This program is aimed at helping regional arts and culture organizations to more effectively welcome people with disabilities to their facilities, programs and events as visitors and patrons, artists and performers, employees and volunteers. A variety of educational opportunities provide creative, affordable approaches to increasing accessibility and expanding audiences to include the disability community. This program also fosters greater understanding of and compliance with changing regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With continuing support from the FISA Foundation, the initiative has transformed Pittsburgh into a national model. Our region proudly demonstrates how a coordinated effort by cultural organizations representing all disciplines and budgets can welcome people with disabilities into the arts community.
People with disabilities are valuable members of our community contributing their talent as artists, patrons, volunteers, and employees. But their abilities will go unrecognized unless we continue to grow our community-wide commitment to accessibility. Come learn how you can contribute to this regional effort by making small inexpensive changes that open your art to people with disabilities.
For more information and to find out how to become involved in the Arts Council's accessibility initiative, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 412.391.2060, x238.
Events
Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, working with several partner organizations, hosts and co-sponsors professional development and education programs as a part of this initiative. Past programs include a "Lunch & Learn" series during 2011 where participants learned the many facets of making arts and culture accessible to all audiences.
To celebrate the third year of this successful initiative, GPAC will present a series of workshops in the spring of 2013 designed to take arts organizations on a step-by-step journey exploring how people with disabilities experience the arts and ways to serve them better. Learn more!
Accessibility Peers
Arts administrators who work on any aspect of accessibility within their organizations are welcome to be a part of this network that meets quarterly to share updates, triumphs, and challenges. Email Anne ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) to be added to the list. Next meeting January 31.
Dee Delaney Accessibility Fund
Named for the former executive director of the FISA Foundation who led efforts to improve the lives of people will disabilities until her retirement in 2010, this grant program supported projects that increase the accessibility of arts facilities and programming. The fund was supported by the FISA Foundation and the R.K. Mellon Foundation and YOU. You can donate now to make Pittsburgh arts and culture more accessible to all! Just choose "Support for Accessibility in the Arts" when asked how you would like to direct your gift.
Resources
We have compiled lists of Local Disability Service Providers to help you accommodate persons with disabilities and Local Disability Community Organizations which can also be great resources for reaching out to various audiences. See our Resources page for more web-based articles and information about accessibility in arts and culture.
If you know of other resources, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will share them with our community.
Program Partners
FISA Foundation
FISA Foundation is pleased to support "Increasing Accessibility in Pittsburgh Arts and Culture Organizations." Founded 100 years ago as the Federation of Independent School Alumnae by uncommon women of courage, strength and compassion, FISA Foundation invests in solutions that result in systemic change to improve the lives of women, girls and people with disabilities. In 2011, the FISA Foundation celebrates 100 years of women making a difference. For more information, visit www.fisafoundation.org
