VSA arts of Massachusetts (VSAM) has developed an approach to performing arts that is Inclusive by Design. Originally inspired by the notion of applying the principles of Universal Design to the area of performing arts in order to form a new type of ensemble, VSAM collaborates with:

Musicians,
Visual artists,
American Sign Language interpreters,
Audio Describers
and Captioners


Painting by Randi Jamison during an IBD Performance in Idaho

The result is an enhanced multi-media experience for everyone. The music explodes with visual content provided not only by the musicians themselves but by the movement of a sign interpreter on stage and the mural painting as it evolves live on stage. The lyrics are printed on an LCD device allowing everyone who can see a look at the poetry behind the music. The visual highlights are recapped for everyone by the audio describer, whose account is shared with everyone, not only with audience members who are blind or have low vision.

VSAM has presented inclusive concerts in Cambridge, MA; Portland ,ME; Boston, MA; Boise ID and Austin, TX. The music has spanned Jazz, Blues, and Roots/Gospel. We are currently working to bring this work back home to Boston and to develop a presentation introducing this new performance genre to nationally.

Check out
Inclusive by Design Performances

Henry Butler Concert

Austin Concert

 

People with disabilities of all ages - and the elderly as they lose mobility, sight, and hearing - continue to be excluded from full participation in cultural and community life in American society. Although laws that promote equal opportunity and fight discrimination have been in place for over 30 years, many people of all ages with disabilities remain isolated, underserved and with limited access to all aspects of our society. This includes art centers, studios, museums, theaters, music halls, historic sites and community cultural resources as well as schools and educational programs. Many organizations fail to provide physical access by removing barriers like inaccessible entrances and rest rooms. Even when physical barriers are overcome most organizations do not anticipate programmatic access by employing those technologies and services that make it possible for people with disabilities to fully participate. Often when access accommodations are provided, people with disabilities know little about the opportunities that are available.

VSA arts of Massachusetts's Inclusive by Design project takes a whole new approach. By incorporating the elements that make the program accessible to people with disabilities into the creative design of the performance we create a new kind of experience that anyone can be a part of and that is better for everyone. This is evidenced by audience comments like:

"It filled my senses! The audio description, dramatically heightened my visual senses to appreciation. Amazing combination of multi-sensory media."

"Really wonderful performance! The combination was visually/auditory FULL of entertainment-definitely something I'd like to see again."

This new approach also provides a unique level of inclusion for people who are not able to enjoy a typical concert. "Incredible! Both my parents are deaf-and I really believe my dad felt and heard music tonight."

The point is events that are Inclusive by Design create a moment when it does not matter if you have a disability or not. Everyone is included.

STEP ONE:
Developing a program that is Inclusive by Design has two major elements. First there is the creative component. One challenge is getting the musicians to understand that this is not just adding access technologies to an existing concert but an entirely new creation. Once that is accomplished we need to develop an appropriate set list with songs that have strong story lines and visual content that lend themselves to our purpose. Long instrumental improvisations won't work well. Once the set list is agreed upon we have to gather recordings and compile the lyrics so that the ASL interpreter and the captioner can begin their preparations.

With the creative logistics in place the critical next step is to expand the sense of the performing ensemble to include the painter, audio describer, captioner and ASL interpreter. To accomplish this there is no substitute for experience. Rehearsals and additional performances with the same personnel will allow for a new creative flow as each contributor to the ensemble gets a feel for how the various parts interrelate.

One additional element on the creative side should be mentioned. It is essential that people with disabilities be well represented on stage. For the jazz performance a segment was given over to the performance of a poem created in ASL. Deaf interpreters have been included and musicians with both obvious and hidden disabilities have performed. This vital element will be important to keep in mind when we feature celebrity performers.

STEP TWO:
The second component's focus is off stage. This effort is futile if the access elements are window dressing and not providing and inclusive experience for people with disabilities. This is not simply an audience development problem, although selling tickets to a general audience is important. It is also important to reach out the communities of people with disabilities and work with them to overcome the barriers they will encounter. Cost, transportation and lack of experience with cultural programs must all be actively addressed. For this to succeed it will be necessary to provide complimentary tickets and to help people arrange for accessible transportation. Partnerships with Independent Living Centers and other service providers are essential.

In order to maximize the impact of the Inclusive by Design event it will be useful to offer workshops in the days and weeks running up to the program. Workshops have included working with ASL interpreters and Deaf Consultants on the process of interpreting music, classes on Universal Design in the Performing Arts for program designers, arts council members and members of the disabilities community and workshops for musicians and painters interested in the process.