A Message from the Chairman

“The major issue is accessibility with dignity. It is not enough to get into the building any old way. I like to get into the building at the front like everybody else, where the rest of society gets in.” — Itzhak Perlman, violinist

John McEwenThis past summer we lost a wonderful friend and dedicated advocate for arts access, Gary Kaplan. Gary’s generosity of time and talent played an instrumental role in removing barriers and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities and the general public in New Jersey. I was honored to have known Gary and grateful for the positive impact he had on the arts community as a valued member of the Cultural Access Network since its inception in 1991. Gary was a wonderful resource in educating our cultural organizations on the letter of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it related to physical accessibility. As you read about Gary’s many impressive accomplishments, you will also notice that he embraced the spirit of the law ensuring that barrier free environments were developed for people with disabilities.

Gary’s guidance, dedication and giving spirit made the arts and cultural community in New Jersey one that is welcoming to all and for that we are extremely grateful. The newsletter also features stories that celebrate the achievements and creativity of people with disabilities and the tremendous strides organizations are making in opening their doors to all. The Cultural Access Network is busy compiling the data of nine focus groups conducted in the spring and fall of 2005 and the statewide survey as part of the Building Cultural Participation Project, made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and by funds from the Wallace Foundation. The results of these studies will be shared with the state’s cultural community to help us better understand cultural participation and consumer behavior patterns of people with disabilities. From this information, we will be able to provide managers and volunteer leadership guidance and a better understanding of how to effectively market and serve people with disabilities. The Cultural Access Network is also busy developing a website that promises to be a valuable resource for cultural organizations, as well as for people with disabilities interested in participating and attending cultural events throughout the state.

The website will serve as a role model in web accessibility and in this newsletter we have listed a variety of resources that will assist you as you continue to take steps in making your websites accessible. The Cultural Access Network will also be offering a series of sensitivity training workshops (see schedule inside). It is highly recommended that your staff and volunteers, especially those who interact directly with the public, attend these sessions to ensure that they have the tools and knowledge to create a welcoming environment and to communicate effectively with all members of the public. These newsletters are a resource and we recommend that you share them with your staff and hold onto them for future reference. If you have any questions or need any assistance with your access programs and services, please call Robert Carr at 973-540-0515, ext 15. We remain committed to continuing to work with you and those with disabilities to ensure that the impressive work of New Jersey’s cultural community can be shared and enjoyed by everyone. Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!

Sincerely, John McEwen's Signature John McEwen

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Audio Description Equipment Available!

Would you like to offer an audio-described performance or provide assistive listening equipment for a concert, conference or short run of a show? The New Jersey Theatre Alliance has multi-channel FM Equipment available for loan that can be used for assistive listening and audio-description events. For futher information call Robert Carr at the Alliance at: (973) 540-0515 ext 15
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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.