Accessibility & Disaster Preparedness in Performing Arts Spaces

Featuring:

• Jessica Wallach — Story Tapestries
• Tom Clareson — Performing Arts Readiness
• Marcie Roth — World Institute on Disability
• Matthew Kowal — Majestic Collaborations 

Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM ET / 8:30 – 10:30 AM PT
Location: Online (Zoom meeting with registration)
Click here to register

Why This Matters

Accessibility isn’t an add-on — it’s how we make performing arts spaces safer, more prepared, and truly welcoming. In an emergency, accessibility-centered planning strengthens every response, whether the challenge is a medical crisis, severe weather, a power outage, an active shooter, or a crowded evacuation. When we design for access and autonomy, we reduce harm and make it possible for everyone to exit together, safely.

“In an emergency: 10% of people will follow directions, 80% of people will be confused: heart go on, breath heavier, audio confusion , and 10 will be disrupters, think they know better or incapable of listening.” — Joe Levy, Barclays Center, Emergency Planning: A Human-Centered Approach to Preparedness, LEAD Conference 2025

This class focuses on that 80%. What we know about accessibility — clear communication, mobility support, autonomy, and multiple ways to receive information — can change the numbers so more people know what to do and can respond successfully in a disaster.

“I left feeling like this was the first time accessibility and preparedness were being treated as one conversation, not two separate tracks.” — Listening Session Participant

What to Expect

• Role-Based Toolkit Breakouts – Review and refine toolkits for artists, audiences, staff, and managers.
• Condensed Tabletop Scenario – Apply toolkit strategies in a guided real-world exercise.
• Lessons from Listening Sessions – Insights from the disability community and arts professionals.
• Next Steps – Practical actions for individuals, institutions, and networks.

You’ll Walk Away With

• Practical strategies for integrating accessibility and disaster planning.
• Tools for turning accessibility into stronger preparedness for everyone.
• Resources to address barriers before they become crises.
• The Emergency Preparedness & Accessibility Toolkits and ways to keep building this work.

Speaker Bios

Jessica Wallach — Accessibility Strategist with Story Tapestries, Jessica directs the Accessibility & Disaster in Performing Arts Network. She works at the intersection of accessibility, the arts, and disasters, developing practical approaches that integrate accessibility into emergency preparedness.

Tom Clareson — Project Director for Performing Arts Readiness, Tom has worked with hundreds of arts and cultural organizations on disaster preparedness, risk assessment, and recovery planning. He brings decades of experience helping performing arts spaces strengthen their readiness for emergencies.

Marcie Roth — President and CEO of the World Institute on Disability, Marcie previously served as Director of FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination under President Obama. She is an internationally recognized expert in disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction and emergency management, ensuring that accessibility is integrated into preparedness at every level.

Matthew Kowal — Founder of Majestic Collaborations, Matthew is co-creator of The Art of Mass Gatherings, a festival-based training program where resilience, accessibility, and sustainability are taught through lived practice. He works nationally with communities, cultural organizations, and emergency managers to embed preparedness in the heart of arts and cultural events.

  This project is made possible with funding from Performing Arts Readiness and contributions from founding members of the network, including the Underground Music Showcase, Open Circle Theatre, The Movement-Movement, Bodywise Dance, The World Institute on Disability, and Americans for the Arts.

Link to our Listening Sessions