Steps Toward Greater Accessibility in the Arts

The arts have long offered a space for inspiration, joy, and connection, but for some, attending a performance hasn’t always been easy. Sensory sensitivities, mobility limitations, or communication barriers can create real challenges that make theater feel out of reach.

Across the country, arts organizations are working to change that—introducing sensory-friendly performances, improving physical access, and expanding services to help more people feel welcome. At the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, we’re proud to be part of that movement. While there’s still more to learn and do, we’ve begun taking thoughtful steps to make our spaces more inclusive so that every guest can feel accepted, supported, and part of the experience.

Creating Comfortable, Welcoming Experiences

A sensory-friendly event is designed to make the arts more comfortable for individuals with sensory sensitivities, including those on the autism spectrum, first-time attendees, and young children. These events often include small but meaningful adjustments, such as eliminating strong scents, reducing volume, keeping house lights dim (rather than fully dark), and fostering a relaxed, judgment-free environment. While the atmosphere is adapted for comfort, the content of the performance or screening remains unchanged—preserving its artistic integrity while making it accessible for more families.

Many arts organizations are exploring sensory-friendly programming as part of broader inclusion efforts, and DPAC is proud to be part of that movement. In April, we partnered with BRAINLab to host a sensory-friendly screening of FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992), inviting individuals of all neurotypes to enjoy the film in a relaxed setting designed to reduce sensory overload and foster a sense of community.

These experiences matter because they create space for individuals with disabilities and those who are neurodivergent—along with their families—to fully be themselves. For many, traditional performance or cinema settings can be overwhelming or inaccessible. By intentionally adjusting the environment to meet different sensory needs, we’re working to turn what might otherwise be a stressful outing into something joyful.

It’s not just about seeing a film or performance—it’s about feeling welcome, supported, and part of the arts community.

Bringing the Arts to Life with ASL

Accessibility means more than just checking a box—it’s about creating opportunities for connection, understanding, and shared experience. At DPAC, that includes supporting our Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) audience members through American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation.

ASL is a rich, visual language that brings performances to life in powerful ways—capturing tone, rhythm, and emotion through movement and expression. Interpreted performances offer DHH audience members the chance to fully engage with the story while also honoring the artistry and intention behind every moment. As this behind-the-scenes look at ASL in the theater explains, interpreters don’t simply relay dialogue—they perform alongside the production, preserving its emotional depth and nuance.At DPAC, we offer ASL interpretation for select Presenting Series performances and welcome advance requests for additional accommodations. While we can’t provide interpretation for every event at this time, we’re continually working to make our programming more inclusive—on stage and off.

Designing Spaces with Everyone in Mind

Physical access is a foundational part of creating an inclusive arts experience. At DPAC, all venues feature wheelchair-accessible entrances, designated seating areas, and nearby accessible parking to help ensure every guest can navigate our spaces with comfort and ease.

We know that meaningful inclusion doesn’t begin when the curtain rises—it begins the moment someone arrives. That’s why we continue to assess and improve our facilities with thoughtful design choices that reduce barriers and support belonging.

Everyone should have the opportunity to participate, engage, and find joy in the arts. When we take time to remove obstacles—both big and small—we create a stronger, more connected community for all.