A Message from the Chairman of the Cultural Access Network

“When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.” — Helen Keller

John McEwen I am heartened by the progress our state’s arts organizations are making towards the inclusion of older adults and people with disabilities into all aspects of their organization. It often seems to me that each step forward can bring an ordinary miracle into everyday lives.

This newsletter features some inspirational stories of arts groups and how they are making a difference in people’s lives by embracing and engaging people with disabilities into their programs, services and their organizational planning efforts to meet ADA requirements. This newsletter also provides resources, ADA planning tips, accessible events at various cultural venues and other pertinent information to heighten awareness of arts access activity around the state and to assist organizations in their important work of creating opportunities for people with disabilities to participate fully in the arts.

Since the founding of the Cultural Access Network in 1992, I have been impressed by the great strides our state’s cultural organizations have made in the areas of arts access. Though there is still work to be done, it is gratifying to know that New Jersey’s cultural community is making ADA compliance an organizational priority and organizations are not only responding to the letter, but also to the spirit of the law. I do want to take this opportunity to thank the outstanding members of the Cultural Access Network who so graciously give of their time, talent and energy to assist our state’s cultural community in their efforts to make programs and facilities accessible. Due to the talents of this dedicated group of individuals, the leadership and commitment of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the outstanding arts access work of many of our state’s arts organizations, New Jersey continues to be recognized as a leader in the area of arts access.

Please keep this newsletter as an important reference and be sure to call upon the Cultural Access Network for any assistance we can provide such as staff sensitivity training, ADA planning, board education, program and facility access, marketing, etc. We look forward to our continued work with New Jersey’s arts community and the state’s citizens to ensure that all individuals can benefit and participate in the joy of New Jersey arts.

Best wishes to you and your families for a wonderful New Year. John McEwen's Signature

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The Cultural Access Network is a co-sponsored project of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.