By Halley Korff
Reimagining the Arts
Andrew and I recently attended the Arts Accessibility Forum, an inspiring and forward-thinking initiative led by the Audio-Reader Network in partnership with the Lawrence Arts Center. From the moment the conversation began, it was clear this wasn’t just a one-time event. It was the start of a meaningful movement to reshape how accessibility is approached in the arts.
The Arts Accessibility Forum is a series of convenings and trainings designed for arts professionals, artists, and presenting organizations. Its mission is to elevate the availability, administration, and implementation of audio description as a critical access tool for individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Accessibility in the arts often lags behind intention. This project is actively closing that gap.
The Role of Audio-Reader Network
Audio-Reader Network is uniquely positioned to lead this work. Their organization provides vital services to individuals who are blind or have low vision, including reading newspapers and books aloud and offering audio descriptions at live events. These services don’t just enhance experiences. They create access where none previously existed.
By centering the voices and needs of the blind and low vision community, Audio-Reader is helping arts organizations move from awareness to action.
Inside the Arts Accessibility Forum
This project includes three community convenings and a two-day audio description training event. The convenings bring together expert speakers from the blind and visually-impaired community, experienced audio describers, patrons who regularly use audio description services, and other stakeholders who benefit from accessible arts programming, such as senior centers and community organizations.
The goal is open dialogue. What are the barriers? What’s working? What needs to change? These conversations create space for learning, accountability, and shared responsibility.
Lived Experience at the Center of the Conversation
During the forum, it became clear that many people want to improve accessibility but simply don’t know where to start. Because Audio-Reader was familiar with my background, I was invited to share my personal experiences with low vision throughout the discussion.
Answering questions and providing real-world context helped move accessibility from abstract ideas to tangible needs. Awareness is often the first and most critical step toward meaningful change.
Collaboration Across the Arts Community
It was encouraging to connect with representatives from Theatre Lawrence, the Lawrence Arts Center, Mid-America Arts Alliance (MAAA), and the Kansas National Federation of the Blind. The atmosphere was collaborative and engaged.
Participants weren’t just listening. They were actively considering how to improve their spaces, programming, and outreach to ensure blind and low vision patrons feel welcomed and included.
Turning Education Into Action
A key component of the project is the upcoming two-day audio description training led by Audio Description Associates, LLC. This hands-on training will equip volunteers, docents, staff, and artists with the skills necessary to provide audio description services or to partner with presenting organizations to expand accessibility offerings.
Practical training like this is essential. It turns good intentions into sustainable, actionable change.
Support That Makes Progress Possible
This inaugural Arts Accessibility Forum is funded by a grant from the Kansas Arts Commission. That support has made it possible to bring experts, organizations, and community members together in a way that is thoughtful, intentional, and impactful.
Looking Ahead
Audio-Reader Network hosted an outstanding first convening and is already preparing for the next session. If this forum is any indication, the ripple effect will extend far beyond these meetings and into arts spaces across the region.
And finally, a sincere thank you to Andrew for supporting me in attending this forum and for sharing your perspective during the discussion. Your insights added meaningful depth to the conversation and were clearly appreciated by those in attendance.
Accessibility is not a checkbox. It’s an ongoing practice built through education, partnership, and listening. The Arts Accessibility Forum is a powerful example of what can happen when communities come together to ensure the arts are truly accessible to all.
