Accessibility in the Arts
Ensuring access to the arts for every Oklahoman
As the official state agency for the arts, the Oklahoma Arts Council's mission is to lead, cultivate, and amplify the transformative power of the arts for all Oklahomans and their communities. In carrying out this mission, the agency is committed to ensuring access to arts programs and services for all individuals, including those with disabilities.
Upon request, the Oklahoma Arts Council provides alternative formats, auxiliary aids, and services necessary for individuals to fully participate in all programs and services provided by our agency. To request an accommodation, please contact Erika Wilhite, accessibility coordinator, at erika.wilhite@arts.ok.gov or call 405-249-7615.
For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing:
800-522-8506 standard phone user
800-722-0353 TTY to voices/hearing carryover
866-826-6552 voice carryover
877-722-3515 speech to speech
888-269-7477 Voice/CapTel customer services (we will try to find a reasonable accommodation)
Accessibility in the Arts Webinars
To equip organizations across the state arts sector with fulfilling their obligations related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Oklahoma Arts Council programs a free webinar series addressing current topics related to accessibility in the arts. Webinars featuring national and local presenters are offered throughout the year. Register using the links below.
Upcoming Webinars
"Embracing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in the Arts: Creating Accessible and Engaging Learning Environments"
January 16, 2025
1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Register here
Imagine a classroom where every student, regardless of their learning style or ability, can explore, engage, and excel in the arts. In this Oklahoma Arts Council Accessibility in the Arts webinar, you are invited to learn how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is more than just a teaching framework—it's a transformative approach that opens doors to creativity and learning for all students. In this session, you will learn the UDL principles from a national consultant and hear from Oklahoma teaching artists about how their practices incorporate UDL to create vibrant and accessible arts education environments that acknowledge and celebrate different learning needs and preferences. This webinar is designed for teaching artists, classroom educators, arts program administrators, and anyone passionate about making arts education accessible and engaging for all students. Whether you’re looking to enhance your teaching practices or develop a more accommodating curriculum, you’ll leave with valuable insights and actionable strategies to make a real difference in your classroom.
Presenter bio: Jennifer Pusateri is the Universal Design consultant for the University of Kentucky’s Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) where she fosters the advancement of accessibility and inclusive teaching practices across campus. She is author of the book Transform Your Teaching with Universal Design for Learning: Six Steps to Jumpstart Your Practice.
The presentation will be followed by a panel conversation with Oklahoma teaching artists DWe Williams and Amy Nevius along with Dee Blos from Autism Oklahoma.
Past Webinars
"Enhancing Accessibility in Theatre: Behind the Scenes of 'Cinderella' for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Audiences"
November 7, 2024
1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Register here
In this webinar participants will learn about the innovative approaches behind an acclaimed presentation of "Cinderella," co-produced by Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and Deaf Austin Theatre. You will hear from Michael Baron, Producing Artistic Director of Lyric Theatre, Dr. Brian Andrew Cheslik, Artistic Director of Deaf Austin Theatre (DAT), and actor Sandra Mae Frank, as they share how they redefined accessibility in theatre in their groundbreaking production, which premiered at ZACH Theatre in Austin in early 2023 and was remounted at Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma City in July 2024.
Highlighted in American Theatre Magazine, this production of "Cinderella" was an innovative model in integrating Deaf culture into a classic story. Attendees will learn how the artistic team made thoughtful and deliberate choices about which characters would be Deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing, creating within the story a nuanced portrayal of communication and relationships. The production featured a diverse ensemble of 15 actors—seven Deaf and eight hearing—demonstrating a commitment to authenticity and representation. This webinar will give an in-depth look at the creative process, challenges, and triumphs of making "Cinderella" accessible.
Closed captioning & ASL interpretation will be provided. If you require additional accommodations, contact Erika Wilhite by email at erika.wilhite@arts.ok.gov or call 405-249-7615.
"Building Inclusive Arts: Navigating ADA Compliance and Accessibility with Self-Assessment Tools"
Featuring the National Endowment for the Arts and Open Door Arts
September 25, 2024
1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Register here
Did you know that one out of every six Oklahomans has a disability? Ensuring that your programs are accessible to audiences with visual, hearing, mobility, sensory, and intellectual/developmental disabilities is crucial. While it might seem daunting to address every accessibility concern, understanding where you stand and identifying barriers is a vital first step.
Join us for an insightful webinar featuring experts from the National Endowment for the Arts and Open Door Arts. This session will guide you through the essentials of ADA compliance complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) spell out on first reference and demonstrate how to use a self-assessment tool to evaluate and improve the accessibility of your programs, facilities, and services. Through this webinar, you will learn what is required from your organization to comply with ADA law, discover how to utilize a self-assessment tool to navigate and enhance the accessibility of your arts events and services, and gain practical insights from the National Endowment for the Arts and Open Door Arts on how to use a self-assessment tool designed to help your organization improve your accessibility practices.
Open Door Arts is a national consulting firm dedicated to increasing access, participation, and representation of people with disabilities in the arts. Their newly launched self-assessment lowercase tool offers valuable resources for organizations to gauge and enhance their accessibility efforts.
Katharine Hayward serves as the Accessibility Specialist at the Office of Accessibility at the National Endowment for the Arts. With expertise in arts funding and promotion, she will provide guidance on meeting ADA requirements and fostering inclusive arts experiences.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to make your programs more accessible and welcoming to everyone. Register today to ensure your organization is on the path to greater inclusivity and compliance.
Accessibility in the Arts Resources
Guides for Planning
Consultation and Training Services
Accessibility Services
Research on Accessibility in the Arts
Questions
For questions about Oklahoma Arts Council programs designed to help organizations in making the arts accessible to Oklahomans in their communities, contact our accessibility coordinator.