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
Young Dance
ADA Access Plan
Adopted: 10/12/1999
Drafted: 10/12/1999
Revised: 10/08/2011; 11/2014; 05/12/2018, 08/14/2021, 04/13/2024
Due for Review: 2027
Background
In 1990, the United States Congress enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which guarantees
equal and full access to employment and public services for people with disabilities. Since its
implementation, many people have been served and hired throughout the country, and actions have
been taken to ensure physical and programmatic accessibility. In keeping with the goal of the ADA and
Young Dance’s values, Young Dance is committed to ensuring that its programs and services are
accessible to people with disabilities.
Accessibility Policy Statements
- Young Dance will provide artistic staff to assist participants who live with disabilities to engage with the class curriculum.
- Upon request, any of Young Dance’s written information will be made available in the alternative formats of large print, audiotape, or other format.
- All performances and rehearsals conducted, sponsored, or co-sponsored by Young Dance will be held 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 restroom facilities.
- Young Dance will offer ASL Interpreters at any class or rehearsal with one-week prior notification of need. Young Dance will offer to have ASL interpreters and audio describers for all public performances.
- Young Dance will have at least one of its spring performances ASL Interpreted and at least one performance audio described. For other performances, the organization reserves the right to have at least one week prior notification of interpreter or describer need.
- Young Dance will make volunteers available for blind or low-vision audience members who may need assistance entering the auditorium, purchasing refreshments or other items, and reading any printed materials that have either not been produced in alternative formats or are in formats not accessible by the patron.
Current Access Characteristics
Young Dance offers classes that are specifically for those with disabilities. We also welcome individuals with disabilities into any of our classes, provided the class is an appropriate fit for participants. An appropriate fit requires that the instructor is able to meet the curricular goals of the class for all participants.
Young Dance is located in the Fairview Business Center at 655 Fairview Ave. N, St. Paul, MN 55104. There are no steps in the Young Dance space. Young Dance has three automatic door openers installed in our space, for the doors used to enter and exit the studio spaces. All other doors that participants frequently use remain open while the business is open.
The restrooms meet ADA requirements. The restrooms do not have automatic door openers.
The main entrance to the building is equipped with automatic door openers.
The Young Dance website meets accessibility guidelines and we continue to monitor and improve our website’s conformance to WCAG guidelines.
Our promotional materials for events include social stories.
Young Dance performances are held at sites accessible for performers and audience members with physical and or other mobility disabilities.
Young Dance can produce large print materials in-house.
Young Dance staff will do a formal access review every three years.
