Disability Inclusion Consultant
What does a Disability Inclusion Consultant do?
What does a Disability Inclusion Consultant do?
A DISABILITY INCLUSION CONSULTANT examines all the various aspects of how actors, employees, and audience members interact with a company or a production. They identify, create, and facilitate meaningful entry points for people with disabilities in a way that meets their needs. They provide a higher-level overview of how to make spaces such as the theatre or the workplace more inclusive and welcoming for people with disabilities. Some of their responsibilities include but are not limited to advising on or making sure that Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements are being met, ensuring that sign language interpreters are available for auditions, identifying the placement of accessible seating in theatres, providing accessibility advice to audiences, advocating for and being proactive and intentional about implementing best practices to create more welcoming and meaningful impacts for people with disabilities on and off stage.
Skills
Knowledge of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)| Attention to detail| Strong written and verbal communication skills| Experience with Excel, Word| Creative Problem Solver| Some ASL experience
Pathways
Bachelor’s and/or Master’s in fine arts, social sciences, development studies, international relations, sociology, or other related field| Volunteering | Receive relevant training/and or certification| Internships
How to become a Disability Inclusion Consultant?
How to become a Disability Inclusion Consultant?
Some colleges and universities offer courses and certifications in disability studies and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, many local theatres or non-profit organizations offer volunteer opportunities, education, and resources which may include professional development workshops comprised of members from the disability community. Furthermore, these organizations or groups offer mutual support to practitioners who want to learn more about how to implement and strengthen disability inclusion best practices. Those interested in becoming a DISABILITY INCLUSION CONSULTANT might want to explore volunteering at a local organization or theatre and intentionally seek out workshops, resources, or education led by members of the disability community. Those individuals should also understand the necessity that this career is a lived-in experience and should consider themselves a part of the disability community.
Unions/Professional Organization Affiliations
Resources
- American Theatre’s Inclusion: We Can’t Do It Alone
- American Theatre’s The Disability Scorecard: Are You Doing a Panel, or Actually Doing Something?
Preparing Students with Disabilities for Careers in the Arts: Approaches for Arts Educators
Meet Ali Stroker: the First Actress in a Wheelchair to Perform on Broadway | Mashable Docs