Aesthetic accessibility is battle cry of new program

"The arts transcend everything - religion, ethnicity, race, gender, physical ability and age - and everyone can participate," said Steve Simon, director of disability services. "We launched the program when Lori came on board in January. The focus is to provide assistance and resources to the arts community to help them accommodate and include people who are disabled, so they can not only passively enjoy the arts, but actively participate as actors, dancers and artists."

"Aesthetic accessibility has become the battle cry for Accessible Arts!" said Phillips-Young, who transferred to disability services after three years as the assistant director of the Office of Pre-College Programs. "We have taught people who are disabled how to get an education and how to get a job, but we don't teach them how to play. What makes us uniquely human is how we appreciate the arts and how we enjoy our time of leisure and recreation. That is what we aim to share."

Under the grant, Accessible Arts! will coordinate activities in a nine-county area in the greater Miami Valley. The multi-faceted grant provides for the creation of six ongoing arts programs for persons with disabilities in integrated settings, services including sign interpretation, audio description, large print and Braille for audiences to appreciate 17 community-based arts programs, and the establishment of a resource center that provides workshops, consultancies and information for organizations wanting to establish their own arts accessibility checklists.

In May, "Livin', Lettin' Loose and Laughin:' A Comedy Workshop," will take Accessible Arts! to the last frontier of comedy - the disabled community. "Some people may ask 'what's funny about disabilities?' But we all find humor in the challenges of everyday life," said Phillips-Young. "Within the disabled

"Comedy effectively levels the playing field as we all struggle to discover what it means to be uniquely human."

community humor is often the best and healthiest defense in coping with and conquering the apparent limitations of disabilities. Comedy offers a means to promote understanding and comfort, public awareness and social commentary. It is a way of addressing and becoming more comfortable with a sensitivity and a difference.

"By tackling tough issues like'what is there to laugh about?' I believe we will promote a new understanding of disability.

The program begins with a weekend hands-on comedy workshop May 3 - 4. Local comedians who have attained regional and national recognition will work with participants under the direction of David Romanelli, a lecturer in the Department of Communication and a standup comedian. Nationally known psychiatrist and comedian, Clifford Kuhn, will perform his routine and lead a discussion on the role of humor in healing. The weekend culminates in a comedy laugh-off competition.

The workshop takes its act on the road May 7 - 10 to Wiley's Comedy Club in Dayton's Oregon District. Participants will see nationally known comedian Brett Leake, and regional talent, Troy Hammond, who often use their disabilities as a backdrop for their observational humor. Wright State ID card holders will be admitted free May 7 - 9 with reservations. "Dan Lafferty at Wiley's, a partner in the Accessible Arts! consortium, went so far as to remodel his bathrooms to make them accessible," said Phillips-Young.

The comedy workshop is free and open to the public, 18 years or older.

Other upcoming Accessible Arts! programs include:

• Sponsorship of the statewide tour of Key Bank's Accessible Expressions Ohio Art Show, the first Ohio juried art show for artists with disabilities. The exhibit begins with the announcement of winners April 12 and runs through May 8 at the Kettering Recreation Complex.
• Simultaneous live audio description and sign interpretation for the Willis "Bing" Davis "The Seer and the Spirit," exhibition on April 26 at the Dayton Visual Arts Center.
• Operation: Pump It Up! an on-going entrepreneurial arts initiative is a collaborative effort between Accessible Arts! and the Dayton Police Community-Based Officer Program, the Burkhardt Center and WSU's Office of Pre-College Programs. Students will demonstrate their balloon sculpting and clowning skills in the Student Union Atrium, April 26, followed by a reception with President and Mrs. Flack at Rockafield House.
• Movin' On, an interpretive dance troupe comprised of Miami Valley adults with developmental disabilities, under the direction of Marcia Holmes. Performances TBA.
• Accessible Arts! film series, a monthly film presentation and discussion of how the media depicts persons with disabilities.
• Sponsorship of the InCahoots Summer Arts Camps for children with disabilities in grades 4 - 9. This program is a collaboration with the office of Pre-College Programs. Call 775-03135 for information.
• Living Grandparents Theatre, a performing artist group from Columbus will perform May 13 at Kettering Medical Center Auditorium.

For more information on Accessible Arts! programs, contact the Office of Disability Services at 775-5680.