The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) are committed to addressing equity and accessibility across City of Chicago facilities and programs – including Millennium Park, the Chicago Cultural Center, and Taste of Chicago. To further this effort, we want to pay attention to the experiences of individuals with disabilities who frequently attend cultural events and venues such as museums, theatres, music venues, art galleries, festivals and movie theaters.

DCASE and MOPD will be holding a series of input sessions for the disability community to help guide future event planning and improve accessibility for our residents and visitors with disabilities. Each session is tailored for a general disability-type in order to provide time for feedback and the identification of barriers and best practices.

1. In preparation for the input sessions, we are asking the disability community to consider the following questions:
2. What barriers have you experienced when attending cultural events or while visiting venues?
   What are effective practices for serving individuals with disabilities at cultural venues and events? Which accessibility features have you experienced at cultural venues and events that you consider good examples of accessibility?
3. What do you look for in an accessible and welcoming event or venue?

All sessions will be held at the Chicago Cultural Center – 78 East Washington Street, 5th floor. The accessible entrance is located on the Randolph Street side of the building. Sign language interpreters and CART will be provided at the Friday, October 25th session (Deaf/Hard of Hearing). Other accommodation needs should be requested at least one week in advance of the session by contacting Zhenesse.Heinemann@cityofchicago.org.

Please RSVP for the session (below) that is applicable to your interest by clicking on its link: