Accessibility to the Scenic Arts from Coursera

Is your show accessible?

When we ask about accessibility to shows, most people think about access for wheel chairs: the sitting arrangements and where their WC is accessible.

When we ask for more details, people usually think about producing a show where persons with disabilities are performing, for example producing a show where there is some dancing with people on wheel chairs.

Accessiblity for us is a comprehensive concept that goes from purchasing a ticket through an accessible website to catching the bus back home after the performance on accessible public transport. Accessible webs, accessible web content, accessible transport, subtitling, audio description... the possiblities are endless.

Why is this course useful?

To make the venue and the production accessible to all citizens, and specially to persons with disablities. The course will go through the many accessible services you can offer, and how to implement them in your venue or your production. The final aim is to mainstream accessibility so all people have equal access to culture.

What's inside

Syllabus

INTRODUCTION

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO INCLUSION

In this unit the participants learn about three essential concepts: First they will learn more about the different audiences at which accessibility may be aimed and the different types of access support they might need. Second, the concepts of ‘inclusion’ and ‘accessibility’ will be introduced and, more in particular, they will learn how these can be defined. Finally, this unit looks at legislation on inclusion and accessibility. More in particular, the participants will learn about the various types of international and European legislation on inclusion and accessibility.

VENUE ACCESSIBILITY

Unit 3 “Venue Accessibility” addresses barriers to access to cultural venues and how to remove them. Buildings such as theatres or opera houses or open-air venues used for festival purposes should be as accessible as possible. Based on a distinction between different venue types, this unit covers the accessibility chain, the FFZ principle, the accessibility of indoor and outdoor locations as well as temporary locations. Furthermore, it addresses forms of wayfinding, signs, maps and accessibility information as well as adaptations of the venue and assistance animals. Finally, it provides recommendations for assessing and improving venue accessibility.

ACCESS SERVICES - CONCEPTS

IMPLEMENTING ACCESS FACILITIES AT ARTS EVENTS TO ENSURE INCLUSION FOR ALL

This unit is about putting the knowledge about the access facilities presented in Unit 3a into practice, and covers the general and specific practical steps involved in implementing the access facilities in advance of the event, on the day of the event and after the event.

COMMUNICATION AND DISSEMINATION

In this unit you will learn about communicating and promoting accessibility, some may say “accessibility PR”. More in particular, you will learn to identify the relevant stakeholders and suggest strategies to involve them. You will learn what an accessibility policy for a cultural event or venue is and how to implement it. You will learn how to promote accessibility for a cultural event or venue, using both traditional and online media in an accessible way.

MANAGEMENT

In this unit, the participants learn about managing accessibility in a cultural venue or on a cultural event. They learn to plan and coordinate, they learn to communicate about accessibility and gather user feedback to be able to look into some aftercare. While managing these things they also think about solving conflicts and managing a team of coworkers. In the different learning materials of which the unit is composed, the participant is presented with charts to help managing the accessibility and with tips and tricks to do so via reading materials and video lessons.

Final Assessment & Debriefing

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines a comprehensive array of access services necessary for inclusivity

Taught by renowned accessibility experts with extensive experience

Emphasizes implementation strategies for effective access facility integration

Covers a wide range of venues, from theaters to festivals

Provides practical guidance on accessibility planning, coordination, and management

Legal considerations for accessibility are thoroughly addressed

Reviews summary

Valuable accessibility course

Learners say this course provides very necessary and well-structured information about accessibility. It includes good practice examples, interviews with accessibility professionals, and plenty of sources for further research.

Interviews with accessibility professionals provide valuable insights into the field.

"Very informative with plenty of sources and suggestions for further research. I particularly enjoyed the interviews of accessibiity professionals!"

Students find the course content to be highly informative and well-structured, with helpful examples and supplemental resources.

"VERY NECESSARY and well-structured course."

"Very informative with plenty of sources and suggestions for further research."

"great course! it expands yput mind and invite you to think in other people around you and look depeer"

Students appreciate the practical examples and suggestions for implementing accessibility solutions.

"VERY NECESSARY and well-structured course. The good practice examples are super useful."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Accessibility to the Scenic Arts with these activities:

Practice using assistive technology

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Practice using assistive technology to better understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Browse courses on Assistive Technology

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Choose an assistive technology device to practice with.
Learn how to use the device.
Use the device to complete a task.

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Career center

Learners who complete Accessibility to the Scenic Arts will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Program Manager

A program manager oversees the development and implementation of programs and services. This course can help you develop the skills you need to manage accessibility programs, and to ensure that organizations are meeting their obligations under the law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Accessibility Consultant

An accessibility consultant helps organizations make their products and services more accessible to people with disabilities. This course can help you develop the skills you need to identify and address barriers to accessibility, and to create inclusive environments for all.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accessibility Consultant

Disability Advocate

A disability advocate works to promote the rights of people with disabilities and to ensure that they have equal access to opportunities and resources. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to advocate for the needs of people with disabilities, and to create a more inclusive society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Disability Advocate

Museum Educator

A museum educator develops and delivers educational programs for museum visitors. This course can help you develop the skills you need to create and deliver accessible educational programs, and to engage visitors with disabilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator

Event Planner

An event planner organizes and coordinates events, such as conferences, parties, and weddings. This course can help you develop the skills you need to plan and execute accessible events, and to create inclusive experiences for all attendees.

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Special Education Teacher

A special education teacher works with students with disabilities to help them reach their full potential. This course can help you develop the skills you need to create and deliver accessible learning environments, and to support the needs of students with disabilities.

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Deaf Interpreter

A deaf interpreter interprets spoken language into sign language for deaf and hard of hearing people. This course can help you develop the skills you need to interpret spoken language accurately and expressively, and to facilitate communication between deaf and hearing people.

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Assistive Technology Specialist

An assistive technology specialist helps people with disabilities use assistive technology devices and services. This course can help you develop the skills you need to assess the needs of people with disabilities, and to recommend and implement appropriate assistive technology solutions.

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Audio Describer

An audio describer provides verbal descriptions of visual information for people who are blind or visually impaired. This course can help you develop the skills you need to create and deliver audio descriptions, and to make visual content accessible to all.

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Captioner

A captioner creates closed captions for videos and other audio-visual content. This course can help you develop the skills you need to create and deliver accurate and accessible captions, and to make audio-visual content accessible to all.

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Physical Therapist

A physical therapist helps people with disabilities improve their physical function and mobility. This course can help you develop the skills you need to assess the needs of people with disabilities, and to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.

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Occupational Therapist

An occupational therapist helps people with disabilities develop the skills they need to live independently and participate in their communities. This course can help you develop the skills you need to assess the needs of people with disabilities, and to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

A speech-language pathologist helps people with disabilities develop their communication skills. This course can help you develop the skills you need to assess the needs of people with disabilities, and to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.

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Web Accessibility Specialist

A web accessibility specialist makes websites and online content accessible to people with disabilities. This course can help you develop the skills you need to identify and address barriers to accessibility, and to create inclusive online experiences for all.

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User Experience Designer

A user experience designer creates products and services that are easy to use and enjoyable for everyone. This course can help you develop the skills you need to design inclusive products and services, and to create experiences that are accessible to all.

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