Arts Accessibility Services
Art is for everyone. That’s why we take a leading role in the Increasing Accessibility to Pittsburgh Arts and Culture initiative, a national model for increasing access to the arts for audience members, volunteers, employees, & artists with disabilities.
With continuous support from the FISA Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Allegheny Regional Asset District, Pittsburgh has become a national model, demonstrating how different kinds of arts organizations can foster a community-wide collaboration that effectively connects people with disabilities to the arts. We welcome you to join this effort to serve the broader community.
Local Accessibility Providers
In-Person Captioning
- CART Solutions LLC: Pittsburgh's Premier Communication Access Real-Time Translation Agency (provides both ASL interpretation and real-time captioning)
- Distinct Deposition Services provides a variety of services, including CART.
- The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has closed captioning equipment that can be borrowed for use at other spaces. Captions are displayed on handheld devices. Contact: Vanessa Braun, Manager of Employee Engagement/Inclusion and Assistant Director Accessibility, Braun@trustarts.org, 412-471-2742
American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters
There are many organizations offering ASL interpretation in Pittsburgh. Some options include:
Please note, In the State of Pennsylvania, much like other states, a person can not legally interpreter without being listed on the ODHH (Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing).
Remote Captioning
ACS is one of many providers that offers Remote CART Captioning services for virtual programs
Audio Describers
For referral on local audio describers, please contact Cecile Shellman at cshellman@pittsburghartscouncil.org.
Braille
Recording Podcasts to Share
If you would like to make a high-quality recording to share with people who are blind or have low vision, the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped has recording booths and technicians to help you. To learn more, contact the LBPH at 412-687-2440 or 800-242-0586.
Sensory-Friendly Performance and Event Supplies
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh has supplies such as weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, etc. Contact: Viv Shaffer, Accessibility & Inclusion Coordinator, VShaffer@pittsburghkids.org, 412-322-5058 ext. 234.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has bean bag chairs and other supplies for quiet areas. Contact: Vanessa Braun, Manager of Employee Engagement/Inclusion and Assistant Director Accessibility, Braun@trustarts.org, 412-471-2742
Portable Wheelchair Lift
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has a portable wheelchair lift is available for nontraditional spaces. The lift is stored at and rented through Flyspace Productions. Rental fees include $250 payable to Flyspace Productions for delivery, training, and pick-up; $225 payable to Flyspace Productions and forwarded to the Trust for the first day of equipment rental; and $150 per day after. Contact: Cory Cope, Flyspace Productions, cory@flyspaceproductions.com, 724-544-0404
Portable Wheelchair Ramp
Attack Theatre has a portable wheelchair ramp that can be installed in nontraditional/site-specific spaces (up to dock height) for a minimal maintenance fee. Contact: Lindsey Kaine, Production and Artistic Coordinator, lindsey@attacktheatre.com, 412-281-3305
