Accessible PuSh — The Journey
March 25, 2025
by Andrea Cownden
Providing transformative performing arts experiences to as broad an audience as possible is a PuSh core value. We remove physical, social and financial barriers wherever possible to ensure everyone has an opportunity to experience the performing arts.
For over 10 years, Accessible PuSh has proudly connected consultants, artists, volunteers, and service providers to raise the standard for how accessibility can be integrated into the experience of live art. Our goal is to follow the lead of d/Deaf and disabled advocates by contributing to the ongoing process of addressing access barriers faced by audiences who have been historically, systemically, and continuously excluded from live performance spaces. In doing this work, we are honoured to contribute to vital conversations about who art is made by and for and how we can build more just and expansive futures.
This year, Accessible PuSh continued to work with consultants to identify highly visual shows that are accessible to d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons, audio-dominant shows that are accessible to blind and low-vision patrons, and “Extra Live” shows with relaxed performance environments that are more accessible to patrons who have sensory sensitivities. Our consultants guide us in choosing which shows to program with certified ASL-interpretation, live description and which to program as Relaxed Performances. In addition, we continue to provide special training to Festival volunteers to build competency in meeting the access needs of artists and audience members; create vlogs in ASL about d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing friendly shows; offer sighted guides for blind and low-vision patrons upon request; provide free tickets for support people; create visual stories for many of our shows and venues; provide descriptive introductions for some shows as needed; and make a selection of our programming available online for those whose access needs are best met in their own homes.
Many thanks to past staff, volunteers, consultants, audience members, artists, and community partners whose myriad contributions have shaped this work, and special thanks to this year’s consultants, Deaf consultant Ladan Sahraei, low-vision consultant Kristy Kassie, and relaxed performance consultant Jake Anthony for their ongoing support.
To learn more about the Accessible PuSh program, click to this page.