Arts Accessibility Forum
Project Description
The Arts Accessibility Forum is a series of convenings and trainings for arts professionals, artists and presenting organizations led by Audio-Reader Network in partnership with the Lawrence Arts Center.
The project comprises of 3 convenings and one 2-day audio description training event with the goal of elevating the availability, administration, and implementation of audio description as a key tool in access to arts experiences for individuals with disabilities.
The three convenings will feature expert speakers representing the blind and visually-impaired community, experienced audio describers and patrons of AD services, as well as other stakeholders who stand to benefit from increased offerings of audio described live arts events (e.g. senior centers).
The two-day audio description training offered by Audio Description Associates, LLC will equip volunteers, docents, staff and artists with the skills necessary to provide audio description services or partner with presenting organizations to support increased accessibility offerings.
This inaugural Arts Accessibility Forum is funded by a grant from the Kansas Arts Commission.
Arts Accessibility Forum Series Includes:
- 3 Convenings (November 14, January 28, and June 3)
- A 2-day Audio Description Certification Training (March 12 & 13, 2026)
- Community Connection and Networking
- Optional Education & Awareness Events
Schedule Overview:
November 14 - Series Introduction [Event flyer (pdf)]
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Theatre Lawrence conference room (4660 Bauer Farm Dr, Lawrence, KS 66049)
- Join us for the kickoff event where we will discuss the project goals, explain and demonstrate audio description, and hear from AD patrons.
January 28 - Second Convening
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- In-person at Lied Center of Kansas Pavilion (1600 Stewart Dr, Lawrence, KS 66045)
- A HYBRID convening that will expand the discussion beyond AD adding topics such as cultural events and art from B/LV creators.
March 12 & 13 - Audio Description Certification Training (ADCT) [AD Training Page]
- 2 full days of activities (~9a - 5p)
- In-person at the Lawrence Arts Center
- A separate link for ADCT registration listing cost, scholarship opportunities, and a detailed schedule will be added soon.
June 3 - Series Finale
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Midwest Trust Center (MTC) Capital Federal Room (12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210)
- Where do we go from here? A debriefing from the series along with conversations about the future of arts accessibility across the midwest.
Registration
The convenings are free of cost and open to the public, but we kindly ask that you register so we know how many people to expect at each meeting. More details about cost and registration for the March 12 & 13 Audio Description Certification Training available on reader.ku.edu/adtraining.
AAF Partners
Audio-Reader
The Audio-Reader Network fosters independence by providing access to information and the arts for people who have difficulty reading standard print due to vision loss, physical or learning disability, mobility challenges, and age.
Kansas Arts Commission
The Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) is dedicated to promoting, supporting and expanding Kansas’ creative industries and enriching communities through arts and culture.
National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Their network of blind members coordinate programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information & support.
Lawrence Arts Center
The Lawrence Art Center was created around a vision of providing a space for everyone to experience the visual arts, performing arts and beyond, a destination for accessible art exhibitions, performances, and classes for kids and adults alike in mediums.
MId-America Arts Alliance
Mid-America Arts Alliance is a nonprofit, Regional Arts Organization that serves Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. They focus on strengthening communities and improving lives through extraordinary cultural experiences.
Joel Synder, Audio Description Project
Joel Snyder, PhD, is one of the first audio describers; he began describing theater events and media in 1981. He is the president of Audio Description Associates, LLC with clients world-wide and the Founding Director Emeritus of ACB's Audio Description.
Convening Hosts
Theatre Lawrence
Host of November 14 Convening - Creating extraordinary theatre with extraordinary people.
Lied Center of Kansas
Host of January 28 Convening - Their goal is to provide an extremely wide variety of programs every year
Midwest Trust Center (MTC)
Host of June 3 Convening - Yardley Hall, the Polsky Theatre and the box office are all located in the Midwest Trust Center on the campus of Johnson County Community College, all offering excellent programming throughout year.
