Lehigh Valley’s Guide to Cultural Accessibility Resources...2755 Station Avenue. Center Valley, PA 18034 610-282-1100. Roseann Damico Schatkowski, Director of Marketing/PR....

Lehigh Valley’s Guide to Cultural Accessibility Resources

P R O D U C E D B Y

ThanksA C K N O W L E D G E M E N T S

Sylvia Perkins Perpetual Charitable Trust

Dexter F. & Dorothy H. Baker Foundation

Charles H. Hoch Foundation

Lehigh Valley Community Foundation

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The Fowler Family

ThanksO U R J O U R N E Y C O N T I N U E S . . .

Arts are the highest form of expression. They have the power to make our lives better, heal emotional wounds, and bring people together. Access to that power is a civil right, and the Lehigh Valley Arts Council asks you to contribute to our vision: “To be the leader for arts advocacy in the Lehigh Valley and ensure access to the arts for people of all abilities.”

The Lehigh Valley has a rich and diverse arts culture but too often those experiences are closed to people with disabilities - the fastest growing minority in the region. The Arts & Access Always Program seeks to benefit the more than 86,750 people with disabilities in the region by providing them with greater access to a wider array of cultural events. The program is also designed to strengthen the capacity of cultural nonprofits to serve this community by providing them with marketing support, training and specialized equipment, and grant incentives to encourage and guide them with making accommodations for people with various disabilities. (see page 12 for a list of the grant opportunities)

The Champions of Inclusion trade fair introduces you to twelve organization that demonstrate commitment to providing ongoing accommodations to persons with various disabilities. Learn about how your organization can develop an accessibility program and what disability-friendly events are available for you to enjoy. If we want to transform the Lehigh Valley into a more inclusive region, we need to continue this work moving into the future.

Randall ForteExecutive Director, Lehigh Valley Arts Council

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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

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VAct One DeSAleS UniverSity PerfOrming ArtS.........................

the Art eStAbliShment.............................................................

AccOmmODAtiOn ServiceS fOr PerSOnS with DiSAbilitieS.............

lehigh UniverSity Art gAllerieS teAching mUSeUm...................

lehigh vAlley ArtS cOUncil.....................................................

Incentive Grants for Greater Inclusion..................................

Power of Story: Linda Merkel.................................................

mikAylA’S vOice.......................................................................

mUhlenberg cOllege DePArtment Of theAtre AnD DAnce...........

PennSylvAniA ShAkeSPeAre feStivAl...........................................

the Arc Of lehigh AnD nOrthAmPtOn cOUntieS.........................

the lODge..............................................................................

center fOr viSiOn lOSS...........................................................

Power of Story: Jude Chase, Matt Wolf................................

DiSAbility frienDly cOmmUnity.................................................

gOOD ShePherD rehAbilitiOn netwOrk.....................................

lvcil....................................................................................

Accommodations Glossary..................................................

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CULTURAL ASSETHUMAN SERVICE

Cultural Assets I N T H E L E H I G H VA L L E Y

2755 Station AvenueCenter Valley, PA 18034

610-282-1100Roseann Damico Schatkowski, Director of Marketing/PR

[email protected]

http://www.desales.edu/home/arts-events/act-1-productions/the-labuda-center

C U LT U R A L A S S E T

• Accessible Entrance• Accessible Parking• Accessible Restrooms• Accessible Seating• Seeing eye dogs permitted

• Classes• Film Screenings• Dance, music, and

theatre performances

• American Sign Language• Audio Description• Open Captioning• Wheelchair Access

ARTS & CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

AVAILABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

FACILITY AMMENITIES

Staff and volunteers are trained every 2-3 years.

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A C T O N E D E S A L E S U N I V E R S I T Y P E R F O R M I N G A RT S

Connect With What Matters

Lifts and stowage products

Being there makes a differenceIt could be a simple trip to the mall, a ride to the movies or just a visit to a friend’s home. The little things in life can make a big difference. It’s why MobilityWorks has been helping people connect with who and what matters most since 1997.

MobilityWorks has more than 70 locations across the country with the largest selection of accessible vehicles and adaptive solutions:

• Converted minivans, full-size vans and SUV’s — Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda and Toyota

• Pre-owned accessible vehicles

• The latest in adaptive technology including transfer and turning seats, scooter lifts and hand controls

• Complete maintenance and service on adaptive driving equipment, lifts and conversions

• Daily, weekly and long term rental vans

• Financing options to fit your personal needs

• 24-hour roadside assistance with wheelchair transportation

USA’s largest accessible van dealer!

MobilityWorks2200 S 12th St.Allentown, PA 18103610-837-2397www.mobilityworks.com

SUVs

Scooter

Power Chair

MW Ad_Allentown PA-5.5 x 8.5.indd 1 6/25/18 11:09 AM

FACILITY AMMENITIES

• Accessible Entrance• Accessible Parking• Accessible Restroom• Seeing eye dogs permitted

• Classes• Exhibitions


945 Broadway, Bethlehem, PA 18105

610-807-9201Ellen Flynn, Owner/Manager

[email protected]

www.TheArtEstablishmentStudios.com

• Sensory Friendly/Relaxed• Wheelchair Accessible

Owners are parents of a special needs child with many years of on-the-job training.

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T H E A RT E S TA B L I S H M E N T


A C C O M M O D AT I O N S E R V I C E S F O R P E R S O N S W I T H D I S A B I L I T I E S

Independent Contractors

fee rAnge: $45—$125 Per hOUr

Nicole [email protected]

· Audio Description

Carole [email protected]

· American Sign Language

Robert [email protected]

· Adaptive Technology · Audio Description · American Sign Language · Open Captioning

Ryan [email protected]

· Open Captioning

EQUIPMENT

TRAINED PERSONNEL

Lehigh Valley Arts [email protected]

· Audio Description · Open Captioning

rentAl fee: $25 eAch Per PerfOrmAnce

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• Exhibitions• Lectures• Tours

• Audio Description - During open hours• Wheelchair Accessible• Mobility Equipment - One wheelchair in Main gallery


• Accessible Entrance (ramp)• Accessible Parking• Accessible Restrooms • Elevator• Seeing eye dogs permitted

FACILITY AMMENITIES

Staff and volunteers are trained every 2-3 years.

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LUAG employs one person with a disability.

L E H I G H U N I V E R S I T Y A RT G A L L E R I E S T E A C H I N G M U S E U M

420 E. Packer AvenueBethlehem, PA 18015

610-758-4836Denise Stangl, Operations Administrator

[email protected]

www.luag.org



For nearly thirty years, the Lehigh Valley Arts Council has advanced the mission to promote the value of the arts, foster collaboration in the community, and encourage arts engagement in the Lehigh Valley. We represent more than 500 arts patrons, artists, nonprofit cultural groups and arts businesses. We are hundreds of art advocates who strive to unite the community around a shared value that the arts are essential to our economic vitatlity and quality of life. Our vision is to be a leader for arts advocacy in the Lehigh Valley and ensure access to the arts for people of all abilities.

B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R SDanielle Kulnis, PeOPle’S SecUrity bAnk & trUSt, President

Karen Yeakel, DUnne mAnning, Vice PresidentSamuel E. Cohen, grOSS mcginley, llP, Secretary

Bruce Loch, thUrStOn rOyce gAllery Of fine Art, ltD., TreasurerDaniel Kainz, ScUlPtOr

Gina Kormanik, lehigh vAlley wOrkfOrce inveStment bOArD

Ann E. Lalik, PSU lehigh vAlley

Stephen R. La Pierre, ltci inD. eligibility review SPeciAliStS

Elizabeth Massa, Air PrODUctS Thomas Stathos, cOmmUnity vOlUnteer

Todd Watkins, lehigh UniverSity

Liz Keptner, PSU lehigh vAlley

S T A F F Randall Forte, Executive Director

Zach Kleemeyer, Community Engagement CoordinatorTara Henninger, Operations Manager

Mira Geutzow and Samantha Hughes, Interns

840 Hamilton StreetAllentown, PA 18101

610-437-7590 [email protected]

www.lvartscouncil.com

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L E H I G H VA L L E Y A RT S C O U N C I L

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I N C E N T I V E G R A N T S F O R G R E A T E R I N C L U S I O N

The Lehigh Valley Arts Council is offering three Incentive Grants for Greater Inclusion to cultural nonprofits to encourage organizations to adopt cultural access as a core value. Each of the matching grants are designed to help fund a new accessible arts initiative.

Descriptions:1) A matching grant of up to $350 to accommodate for the first time an otherwise under-served segment of the community with disabilities, including but not limited to, individuals with hearing and visual loss, autism, mental health illness, or physical limitations.

2) A matching grant up to $500 to contract an artist with a disability to perform, exhibit, design or produce a public art event.

3) A matching grant up to $1000 to engage a group of people living with a disability by teaching an artistic practice which culminates in a public performance or exhibition. (NOTE: Applicants must be experienced and skilled at working with a population with disabilities.)

Key Features:· Application is for events that have not yet occurred. The activities period is from September 1, 2018 — August 31, 2019.· Grants are awarded continuously throughout the grant period.· Applicant must be a member of the Lehigh Valley Arts Council.· Applicant may apply to only one (1) Incentive Grant per grant period.· Applications must be submitted 10 weeks prior to project beginning.· Event must reflect the Arts & Access Always mission and goals.· Applicant eligibility requirements differ per Incentive Grant.

For more information please visit www.ArtsAndAccess.org.

B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R SDanielle Kulnis, PeOPle’S SecUrity bAnk & trUSt, President

Karen Yeakel, DUnne mAnning, Vice PresidentSamuel E. Cohen, grOSS mcginley, llP, Secretary

Bruce Loch, thUrStOn rOyce gAllery Of fine Art, ltD., TreasurerDaniel Kainz, ScUlPtOr

Gina Kormanik, lehigh vAlley wOrkfOrce inveStment bOArD

Ann E. Lalik, PSU lehigh vAlley

Stephen R. La Pierre, ltci inD. eligibility review SPeciAliStS

Elizabeth Massa, Air PrODUctS Thomas Stathos, cOmmUnity vOlUnteer

Todd Watkins, lehigh UniverSity

Liz Keptner, PSU lehigh vAlley

[email protected]

www.lvartscouncil.com

I recently had unexpected back surgery for two herniated discs and nerve damage. Although my nature is one of a cheerleader and full of energy (just like an energizer battery), prior to the procedure I had severe pain, weakness and numbness in my left leg. Recovering from surgery was painful at times with lots of leg and back weakness. I found walking further than 30 feet resulted in an increase of these symptoms. As I contemplated returning to work earlier than advised, I knew I would not be able to walk through the museum as I did previously. Fortunately, I was given an electric scooter to enable me to move throughout the building to perform my job responsibilities.

As I went through weeks in this scooter, I developed a new perspective on the difficulties facing people who need to rely on electric scooters, walkers and wheelchairs. While the museum adheres to all regulations that make it handicapped accessible, I discovered some obstacles that affect those individuals who require the use of wheelchairs.

The first thing I noticed is that nothing is at “eye level.” I was looking up at people, file cabinets, shelves, signage, etc all the time. My neck even got sore! And then there’s the doors. You pull the door open and try to get through the opening before it closes on your wheel or smacks the back of the chair.

Trying to navigate in tight areas was another challenge. I had difficulty moving around display shelves in the museum’s gift shop. I’d turn a corner and be staring at a bunch of die cast model trucks. I have since reconfigured the displays to allow for more maneuverability in the store and elsewhere in the museum where I had noticed similar encumbrances.

I continue to improve and soon will no longer require the scooter to get around. However, I will not forget the difficulties I encountered every day trying to do my job quickly and efficiently from a mobile platform. I applaud all of you who carry on daily despite the obstacles placed in your path. You have my undying respect.

Linda Merkel Executive DirectorAmerica On Wheels Museum

T H E P O W E R O F S T O R Y

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www.lvartscouncil.org/the-power-of-story

• Film Screenings• Lectures• “Wheels of Friendship”

an Inclusive Wheelchair Painting Program


• Wheelchair Accessible• Sensory Friendly/Relaxed

M I K AY L A’ S V O I C E

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P.O. Box 232 Nazareth, PA 18064

610-746-2323Kimberly Resh, Exective Director

[email protected]

www.mikaylasvoice.com

Volunteers are trained on an ongoing basis. New volunteers are always welcome to help out.



• Exhibitions• Lectures• Dance, Music, and Theatre Performances



M U H L E N B E R G C O L L E G E D E PA RT M E N T O F T H E AT R E & D A N C E

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2400 Chew Street Allentown, PA 18104

484-664-3087Jessica Bien, General Manager

[email protected]

https://www.muhlenberg.edu/main/academics/theatre-dance/seeashow/accessibility.html

FACILITY AMMENITIES

• Accessible Entrance• Accessible Parking• Accessible Restroom• Accessible Seating in all spaces• Elevator• Seeing eye dogs permitted

MC frequently contracts student artists with disabilities.

Student staff is trained contstantly.

# of performances per season

• American Sign Language (1-2)• Audio Description (2-4)• Open Captioning (2-4)• Sensory Friendly/Relaxed (2-4)• Wheelchair Accessible• Mobility equipment available


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• Theatre (including children’s theatre)


# of performances per season

• American Sign Language (1)• Audio Description (3)• Open Captioning (2)• Sensory Friendly/Relaxed (22)• Wheelchair Accessible

P E N N S Y LVA N I A S H A K E S P E A R E F E S T I VA L

FACILITY AMMENITIES

• Accessible Entrance (1)• Accessible Parking Spots (12)• Accessible Restroom per gender (1)• Accessible Seating:

» MAIN: 14 Wheelchairs / 18 Companions » SIDE: 2 Wheelchairs / 7 Companions

• Seeing eye dogs are permitted in facility

2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034610-285-9455 ext. 9Jill Arington, Education Director & Assistant General Manager

[email protected]

http://pashakespeare.org/psf_accessibility.php

Staff and volunteers are trained once every 2-3 years. As PSF has added accommodations, they’ve trained for them. Relaxed performance training happens every year.

There are 12+ volunteers with disabilites engaged with PSF.

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Human ServicesI N T H E L E H I G H VA L L E Y

2289 Avenue ABethlehem, PA 18017

610-849-8076Frank Barella, Director of Quality & Compliance

[email protected]

www.ArcOfLehighNorthampton.com

H U M A N S E RV I C E

• Classes: “Infusion of Inclusion” social program• Films: Annual “Sprout” film festival


• Accessible Parking• Accessible Restrooms• Sensory-Friendly Enviornments• Wheelchair Accessible Seating

CONSTITUENT ACCOMMODATIONS

T H E A R C O F L E H I G H A N D N O RT H A M P T O N C O U N T I E S

The Arc offers disability awareness training.

TRAINING

To advocate, educate and provide services and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

MISSION

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427 E. 4th StreetBethlehem, PA 18015

610-419-3318 ext. 3Ian Panyko, Director

[email protected]

www.CafeTheLodge.com


• Monthly Classes• Weekly Films• Monthly Performances (3)


• Accessible Transportation

T H E L O D G E

Sensitivity training is mandatory for all staff — provided by an outside agency.

TRAINING

“Celebrating greatness in self and others.” With that comes a commitment to nurture, utilize and stretch our potential, body, mind and spirit.

MISSION

The Lodge supports community inclusion and education through events offered at The Lodge and in the community.

Connor Smith, painterMary Koypers, painterTina Pfeffer, painter

AFFILIATED ARTISTS


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845 W. Wyoming Street, Allentown, PA 18103

610-433-6018 ext. 225Rita Lang, Manager of Innovative Programming

[email protected]

www.CenterForVisionLoss.org


Annual Exhibitions (2)


• Accessible online ticket sales• Audio description• Braille printed materials• Large printed materials

C E N T E R F O R V I S I O N L O S S

CVL offers guidelines for assiting people with vision loss.

TRAINING

To improve the lives of people with vision loss and promoting healthy vision in the community.

MISSION

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Occasionally CVL has assited with printing braille programs.


Jude ChaseBethlehem, PA

Seven and a half years ago, I was crossing the street on a rainy day and the creek was rising. A little old lady was driving by, looking at the creek and not at me. The next thing I remember

was waking up in a hospital 2 weeks later and not knowing why. Until that day, I was in charge of the IT department at an Elections Department in CA. When I went home, I couldn’t remember how to turn on the computer. What I did remember was how to draw and how to paint. Art builds my brain every day in wondrous panoply.

Matt WolfBethlehem, PA

After attending college I worked in the Marvine/Pembroke housing development for four years running youth programs. While employed at the Northeast Ministry I had

programs for elementary, middle, and high school youth. I used to like to take the high school students out of their neighborhood on mini-trips especially to local universities.

One evening we ventured out to Lafayette College to see a jazz poet. I was currently falling in love with Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and John Coltrane so the evening held promise for all of us. When I saw this poet from Ohio recite his words with the jazz backing a light bulb went on inside of me. I wanted to do this furthermore I knew I COULD do this.

That was the night, influenced by Ginsberg, Kerouac and that poet at Lafayette, that I started my journey writing poetry. 20 years later I have read poetry to thousands of people and hosted over 40 poetry and multi-media events locally. Going out to experience the arts is the beautiful risk. One you take knowing you have an interest but not knowing the plethora of ways the arts will enrich and change your life.

T H E P O W E R O F S T O R Y

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www.lvartscouncil.org/the-power-of-story

Annual Experiences

• Classes (15)• Exhibitions (2)• Screenings (3) • Lectures (5)


• Accessible online ticket sales• Accessible parking• Accessible restroom facilities• Accessible transportation• Assistive listening devices• Audio description• Large printed materials• Open captioning• Sensory-friendly enviornment• Sign language interpreters• Wheelchair accessible seating

G O O D S H E P H E R D R E H A B I L I TAT I O N N E T W O R K

Motivated by the divine Good Shepherd and the physical and cognitive needs of our communities, our mission is to enhance lives, maximize function, inspire hope, and promote dignity and well being with expertise and compassion.

MISSION

850 S. 5th Street, Allentown, PA 18103

610-776-3557David Lyons, Vice President of Development

[email protected]

https://www.GoodShepherdRehab.org/ About/Community-Health-Needs-Assessment

Many residents of GS practice painting, ceramics, and jewelry making.

ARTISTS

Welness in the Arts Program offers art sessions throughout the year for people living with disability and/or chronic conditions. Also, GS’s Recreational Therapy dept hosts various disability friendly community outings throughout the year, free of charge.

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Occasional LecturesARTS & CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

• Accessible online ticket sales• Accessible parking• Accessible restroom facilities• Accessible transportation• Assistive listening devices• Audio description• Braille printed materials• Large printed materials• Open captioning• Sensory-friendly enviornment• Sign language interpreters• Wheelchair accessible seating

D I S A B I L I T Y F R I E N D LY C O M M U N I T Y

To advocate for disability rights and celebrate greater accessibility in the Lehigh Valley.

MISSION

713 N. 13th Street,Allentown, PA 18102

610-770-9542Bob Whittman, Covener

[email protected]

www.DFCLV.org

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DFC is a network of service providers, consumers, caregivers, families and advocates.



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Monthly ClassesARTS & CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

• Accessible online ticket sales• Accessible parking• Accessible restroom facilities• Accessible transportation• Assistive listening devices• Audio description• Braille printed materials• Large printed materials• Open captioning• Sensory-friendly enviornment• Sign language interpreters• Wheelchair accessible seating

L E H I G H VA L L E Y C E N T E R F O R I N D E P E N D E N T L I V I N G

To empower persoons with all types of disabilities to achieve independence in an inclusive community.

MISSION

713 N. 13th Street,Allentown, PA 18102

610-770-9781 ext. 124Debbie Rozear, Lead Community Support Coordinator

[email protected]

www.lvcil.org/independent-living-skills

LVCIL offer sensitivity training.TRAINING

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The Symbol of Accessibility. The wheelchair symbol should only be used to indicate access for individuals with limited mobility, including wheelchair users. The symbol is used to indicate an accessible entrances, bathrooms or any other space altered for wheelchair users.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 25, 1990, and prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

American Sign Language (ASL) is provided for lectures, tours, performances, conferences or other programs.

Audio Description is a form of audio-visual translation, using natural pauses to insert narrative that translates the visual image into an audible form. Patrons use headsets to hear the description.

Open Captioning provides the audience with an electronic text display that displays lyrics, dialogue, and sound effects in real time.

Relaxed Performance is a specially adjusted sensory-friendly show, designed to create a theater experience that is welcoming, judgement-free, and inclusive of children and families with a wide range of sensory, learning and communication differences. Adjustments will be made to both the performance as well as theater space itself. This includes eliminating harsh sounds, complete blackouts, surprising or jolting effects, as well as providing stress sensory toys, noise blocking headsets, and specially designated quiet areas for children and families who may need an isolated space to relax.

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A C C O M M O D A T I O N S G L O S S A R Y

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INSPIRING CREATIVITYSINCE 1903

C r a y o l a P r o u d l y S u p p o r t s t h e A r t s

i n t h e L e h i g h V a l l e y

Lehigh Valley’s Guide to Cultural Accessibility Resources...2755 Station Avenue. Center Valley, PA 18034 610-282-1100. Roseann Damico Schatkowski, Director of Marketing/PR....

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