Education
Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability

General Information | 2008 Conference and Training | Conference Schedule | LEAD Awards Information | Resources

General Information - What is LEAD?

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In August of 2000, a group of 25 education managers, executive directors, development directors, PR/marketing managers, and house managers – all of whom were responsible for accessibility at their respective cultural arts organization – gathered at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. to discuss institutional cultural arts and disability issues. While the level of experience among participants ranged from more than 20 years in the field to less than six months on the job, everyone shared one common goal: the desire to create accessible cultural arts programs that are inclusive of people with disabilities and older adults.

That initial group has now grown into a national professional network of more than 100 organizations focused on expanding the breadth and scope of accessibility services and programming across the country. At the annual conference in 2004, the group adopted the name LEAD – Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability. LEAD’s work is focused on:

• exploring practical methods for implementing accessibility in cultural environments;
• communicating information about arts and accessibility, and;
• sharing resources and knowledge among professionals in the field of accessibility.

LEAD accomplishes its objectives through an annual conference, an active communications network, and resources generated by the LEAD network and maintained by the Kennedy Center.

Annual Conference:

The conference features dozens of educational seminars on topics such as Physical and Communication Access; Universal Design; Employment; Legal Issues related to the ADA and Cultural Organizations, Learning and Development Disorders; Marketing Strategies; and Planning, Leadership, and Advocacy. Participants share ideas and find out what has been successful in other arts organizations and cultural institutions, learn about best practices and how to develop sound policies, and participate in discussions with leaders in the field. Other highlights of the annual conference include motivational speakers, resource rooms, and accessible performances.
In an effort to expand the LEAD network’s impact, the conference will be held in a different region of the country every other year. This will provide opportunities for LEAD to focus on the unique access issues and opportunities of different geographic regions, make the conference more affordable for those in the region, and expand the network’s outreach and impact on the creation of more accessible and inclusive cultural experiences.
Click here for information on the 2008 annual conference!

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Network:

• An active listserv and email network was established in 2003 to keep LEAD members from coast to coast connected to one another to share ideas, obstacles, and solutions.
• Phone conference discussions to address topical issues

Several years of continued, significant growth for the Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability have demonstrated the importance of fostering and encouraging the work of visionary professionals and institutions. Become a part of this national network and join us for LEAD 2008!

Founding Organizations:

• Accessible Arts Inc., represented by Martin English
• Arena Stage, represented by Jody Barasch
• Artability, represented by Cindy Brown
• Arts For All, represented by Wendall Barnes
• Arvada Center, represented by Mickey McVey
• Center Stage represented by Michele Baylin and Mike Watson
• Cultural Access Consortium, represented by Judy Berk
• ELA Foundation, represented by Deborah Lewis
• Huntington Theatre, represented by Valerie Ching
• The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, represented by Bret Burzio, Michele Listisard, and Betty Siegel
• The Kentucky Center for the Arts, represented by Deborah Pennell
• Kravis Center, represented by Meri McGuiness and Vanessa Young
• Orange County Performing Arts Center, represented by Larry Stotz
• Oregon Shakespeare Festival, represented by Brian Kinsey
• Paper Mill Playhouse, represented by Michael Mooney
• Raleigh Little Theatre, represented by Sarah Corrin
• Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, represented by Bob Leyes
• Shakespeare Theatre, represented by Alicia Fansmith

"The opportunity to meet colleagues and share similar challenges provides as much professional development as the sessions themselves."
– Ruth Feldman, Yale Repertory Theatre

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Contact Us

For additional information, please contact the Kennedy Center Accessibility Office at 202/416-8727 (voice); 202/416-8728 (TTY); 202/416-8802 (fax); or via email at access@kennedy-center.org.

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