Accessibility Responsiveness Training
A two-part workshop helping arts organisations build meaningful, long-term accessibility practice.
As Aotearoa’s lead organisation supporting access to the arts, Arts Access Aotearoa presents Accessibility Responsiveness Training, developed and facilitated by Deaf and disabled people, tāngata whaikaha, whānau hauā and turi Māori.
The training is grounded in human rights and the social model of disability, and focuses on building practical, organisational change.
Purpose of this training
The purpose of this training is to support arts organisations to become more responsive to Deaf and disabled people engaging with the arts, build consistency in how accessibility is approached across your organisation, and create strong foundations for ongoing accessibility practice.
Learning outcomes
- Confidence creating welcoming environments for Deaf and disabled people
- Understanding of disability, ableism and systemic barriers
- Ability to embed accessibility into project planning from the start
- A clear accessibility action plan for your organisation
- Knowledge of where to find further support and resources
What the workshop covers
Part one
Context around Deaf and disability, tāngata whaikaha, whānau hauā and turi Māori perspectives:
- History, culture and language
- Disability and Deaf perspectives
- Stereotypes and stigma
- Ableism and audism
- Systemic barriers
Part two
Approaches to sustainable accessibility:
- Working accessibly in organisations
- Representation and inclusion
- Working with Deaf and disabled people
- Creating opportunities for participation
- Planning for sustainable accessibility
Technical information
Workshop structure
- Pre-workshop survey (15–20 minutes)
- Two half-day in-person workshops
- One-hour follow-up session
- Ideal group size: 15–20 (flexible)
The training is highly interactive and uses group activities, discussion, real-world examples and practical scenarios to explore accessibility challenges and solutions together.
Requirements
- A point of contact and phone number
- Accessible venue (wheelchair accessible)
- Projector or screen
- Laptop with screen/projector connectivity, or the ability to connect our own device
- Workshop assistant to hand out materials and support delivery
- WiFi access
- Catering if desired
Training locations
We provide training across the motu. We can come to you or help you find an accessible venue.
Booking information
We require four weeks lead time to enable pre-training planning and facilitator scheduling. Content and examples can be tailored to your organisation's context, audiences and accessibility goals.
FAQs
Do you offer shorter sessions?
No. The workshop is designed as a full learning experience.
Do you offer follow-up support?
Yes. The training includes a follow-up session designed to help embed learning and support implementation of accessibility actions. Ongoing support is also available through the Arts For All Network at no additional cost.
Can we request refresher training?
Yes. Training can be adapted for returning teams.
Is the training suitable for people with different levels of accessibility knowledge?
Yes. The training is designed for people with a broad range of experience levels, from those new to accessibility through to people with lived experience and existing accessibility knowledge.
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