Americans with Disabilities Act Access Plan
Accessibility Statement
Patrick’s Cabaret embraces the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in making its performances, programs and services accessible to persons with disabilities. The mission of Patrick's Cabaret is to support artists in their growth and development by encouraging artists of all experience levels to try new things, take risks or present works in progress. We serve a diverse range of artists, from emerging to experienced, from teenagers to seniors. The Cabaret's first commitment is to serve the needs of local performing artists, specifically reaching out to artists of color, GLBT/queer-identified artists and those with disabilities.
World Citizen
Deeper Shadows Cabaret ~ May 2007 ~ photo Cindy Bai
Communications Accessibility
Current Status
All communications with performers, volunteers, board members, donors and the general public are to be accessible. Most communications currently involve traditional print media as well as e-mail and website access. There are ADA symbols on print media sent out from Patrick’s Cabaret.
We use VSA Arts of Minnesota as a means of publicity of accessible programs, as their calendar goes to TCDeaf.com, Access Press, Radio Talking Book, Vision Loss Resources, American Council of the Blind of Minnesota and many other disability or arts organizations, as well as individuals with hearing or vision loss.
Performance & Events Accessibility
Current Status
It is in the mission of our organization to support artists with disabilities in our community. Our stage is accessible from all sides for a person in a wheelchair. In 2006, 7% of the 450 artists that performed at Patrick’s Cabaret were people with disabilities.
Our Tickling Ivories, and Mixing Medias, a cabaret presented in October 2006, featured performances by Artists With Disabilities Alliance (AWDA). This cabaret featured seven artists with disabilities.
We assure that the lobby area, theater space, and our bathroom are accessible. The emergency exits in the theater are all accessible, including the main theater door.
While we cannot guarantee the “fragrance-free” status of our theater, we do ask artists and audience members to refrain from wearing scented products. We include this request on the postcards printed for each show. This enables persons with environmental sensitivity disabilities to attend shows more safely.
We offer ASL interpreting and Audio Description upon request.
Future Goals for Accessibility
Goal
We will continue working with VSA Arts of Minnesota and Artists With Disabilities Alliance to ensure that artists with disabilities have strong representation on our stage and in our publications. Deadline ongoing.
Goal
We will research ways in which we can provide ASL interpreted and audio-described performances on a regular basis, rather than just upon request, for our cabarets. Deadline to be determined.
Goal
We will continue to use accessibility graphics in advance publicity to make people aware of accommodations that can be provided upon request. Deadline ongoing.
Goal
As we move forward with our capital campaign to improve the building in 2008, we will ensure that all modifications are physically accessible to persons with mobility impairments. This includes doorways, bathrooms, emergency exits, and lobby and performing areas. Deadline is fiscal year 2008.
Goal
Develop a more efficient way of sharing information to our audience members about the accessibility of the Cabaret. Work with VSA Arts of Minnesota and Artists With Disabilities Alliance on more effective communication. Deadline is fiscal year 2007-2008.