Training and capability building
Practical training to build more accessible, inclusive organisations.
Creating genuinely accessible experience takes more than intention; it takes knowledge, confidence and practical actions. Arts Access Aotearoa offers training designed to help organisations strengthen accessibility, inclusion and participation across their work.
Our sessions are developed and facilitated by disabled accessibility advisors and shaped through collaboration with Deaf and disabled artists and communities. Grounded in real-world practice, they combine lived experience with practical tools and strategies. Whether you're supporting audiences, participants, artists, staff or communities, we can help your team build the skills and confidence to create meaningful change.
Why train with Arts Access Aotearoa?
We believe accessibility is fundamental to creating vibrant, connected communities and stronger organisations. Our training combines sector expertise, practical tools and community-informed perspectives to support lasting impact.
With Arts Access Aotearoa you'll gain:
- Practical, actionable learning your team can apply immediately
- Greater confidence working with and supporting Deaf and disabled communities
- Better understanding of barriers and how to remove them
- Tools to improve accessibility across planning, communication and delivery
- Training shaped by lived experience and professional expertise
Our training services
Accessibility responsiveness training
A foundational accessibility workshop for arts organisations.
Build a shared understanding of accessibility, reduce barriers in your organisation, and develop practical strategies you can apply immediately.
Focus areas:
- Building confidence around accessibility and inclusion
- Understanding barriers in practice and how to reduce them
- Working alongside Deaf and disabled people
- Embedding accessibility into organisational systems
Outcome: A clearer, more consistent approach to accessibility across your organisation.
Front-of-house accessibility training
Practical training for teams working directly with audiences.
Gain tools and confidence to create welcoming, respectful and accessible experiences for all visitors.
Best for: venue staff, volunteers, visitor services teams and event staff.
Focus areas:
- Welcoming diverse audiences
- Confident and respectful communication
- Supporting Deaf and disabled visitors
- Real-world access scenarios and responses
Outcome: More confident customer-facing teams and improved visitor experience.
Bespoke workshops
Need something tailored?
We work with you to design sessions that respond to your goals, audiences and accessibility context.
Best for: Organisations wanting targeted or strategic support
This could include:
- Leadership and governance workshops
- Accessibility strategy development
- Festivals and event accessibility
- Team capability building
- Community engagement approaches
Outcome: A training approach shaped specifically to your organisation.
Who we work with
Our training supports organisations across the arts, culture and community sectors. It is designed within an arts and cultural participation context, drawing on Arts Access Aotearoa's experience supporting access and inclusion across the arts sector.
- Arts organisations
- Museums and galleries
- Festivals and events
- Local councils
- Community organisations
- Public-facing teams