No event can be universally accessible, recognizing that some ways of creating access become barriers to others.
We are always building our understanding of neurodivergence, physical disabilities, and other accessibility related needs. This is reflected in how we plan and implement all of our programs in the community, school, and through performance.
What we’re doing:
Physical Space, Representation, and Contact
- We have representation of people with disabilities and neurodivergence on the Board of Directors and teaching faculty.
- We welcome people with disabilities into our classes and provide any support needed through extra artistic staffing. We also provide classes for All Abilities.
- All of our performances and rehearsals are conducted in spaces that are physically accessible to people with mobility disabilities. This physical access pertains to parking, entrance areas, movement to and through the activity area, and to restroom facilities.
- We produce large print materials in-house for anyone who needs them.
- Young Dance provides one performance each spring that is ASL interpreted and one performance that is audio-described. We consult with patrons to determine if additional services are needed. We will provide these services for our classes upon request.
- The main building and studio entrances are equipped with automatic door openers.
Digital Access and Conformance
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. The Young Dance website and registration page are partially conformant with WCAG 2.1 level AA. Partially conformant means that some parts of the content do not fully conform to the accessibility standard.
As we continue to resolve issues on our website following WCAG 2.1 AA standards, a log of the work we are doing includes the following features:
- Color contrast of buttons and menus
- Element color contrast for past calendar events
- Distinct labels for a MailChimp embed form
- Ensuring social media icons have discernible text
- Coding in lists
We work with students and families to ensure that our classes, performances, and events are as accessible as possible. We make a practice of asking if people have needs we haven’t thought of.
Contact:
If you have questions or specific needs, please reach out to our accessibility coordinator, Gretchen Pick gretchen@youngdance.org, or by phone at (612) 423-3064.
UPDATED 12/6/2023
