LEAD Conference Comes to Boston, 8/21-24

In August of 2000, a small group of cultural arts administrators – 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 professional network focused on expanding the breadth and scope of accessibility services and programming across the country and around the world. The Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) network:
• explores practical methods for implementing accessibility in cultural environments;
• communicates information about arts and accessibility, and;
• shares 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 programmatic access; universal and socially sustainable design; employment; legal issues, such as the impact of federal and state legislation, rules, and regulations on cultural arts organizations; marketing strategies; and planning, leadership, and advocacy. Participants exchange ideas, learn best practices and how to develop sound policies, and participate in discussions with leaders in the field. Other highlights of the annual conference include accessible performances, technology demonstrations, and resource rooms.

2012 Conference and Training
Boston, Massachusetts
Capacity Building Workshop: August 20-21
Pre-Conference Workshops: August 21 & 22, 2012
Full Conference: August 22-24, 2012
Join us for LEAD 2012!

Plan to join us in Boston, Massachusetts for the 2012 LEAD Conference on August 21-24.