Posted by Creative Connector
How can your organization build stronger relationships with Deaf and Disabled artists while making accessibility a more meaningful part of your work?
One of the most exciting things about the Access Playbook program is seeing how participants take what they’ve learned and apply it in their own communities.
This spring, The Registry Theatre in Kitchener-Waterloo presented Hearing Hacks and The Sound Within, a workshop and performance series exploring the experiences of musicians and audiences with hearing loss.
This project was developed through their participation in The Access Playbook and offers a powerful example of how access planning can lead to new programming, deeper community engagement, and more inclusive cultural experiences!
The Access Playbook is an online, disability-led cohort training program for arts presenters, producers, and performing arts organizations across Canada.
The Fall 2026 cohort runs from September 15 to December 8, 2026. Through six self-paced learning modules, live cohort discussions, practical tools, and conversations with Deaf and Disabled artists, participants develop the knowledge, confidence, and action plans needed to strengthen accessibility within their organizations.
Topics include:
- Understanding Deaf and Disability arts culture
- Identifying barriers and opportunities
- Building relationships with artists and communities
- Accessible communication and outreach
- Budgeting and resourcing accessibility
- Developing an access action plan
Live cohort sessions will take place on:
Tuesday, September 22
Tuesday, October 13
Tuesday, November 3
Tuesday, December 8
One participant described the program’s artist coffee chats as “one of the most valuable aspects of the program so far,” adding, “You’ve given us those opportunities to have those conversations and to not be by myself.”
Free online info sessions are coming up on July 15, 17, and 23.
Join us to learn more about the program, ask questions, and find out whether The Access Playbook is a good fit for your organization.
Learn more: link here
Register for an info session: link here
Questions? Contact Lindsay Fisher at lindsay@creativeconnector.art
This project is made possible by Canadian Heritage and the Canada Council for the Arts.