Disability & Arts Webinars

The 2026/2027 Series

• Continuing the successful “Lunch & Learn” format with sessions from noon-1 p.m. on Zoom.
• A mix of national disability experts and South Carolina accessibility champions will be the hosts of the webinars.
• Advance registration is required using the links in each webinar description.

• Sept. 2 • Backstage Accessibility

  Supporting disabled performers, crew, and technicians and inclusive casting practices.

  Listen as founder/executive and artistic director Ellice Patterson discusses how she balances different artists (musicians, dancers, access team, and more) and their unique access needs with her own while bringing a masterful production to life.

  Register

  Register for Sept. 2.

  Presenter

  Ellice Patterson, Abilities Dance

  Ellice is the founder, executive director, and artistic director of Abilities Dance, a Boston-based dance company that champions disability representation and inclusion in the arts. A nationally recognized choreographer, educator, and accessibility advocate, she has led award-winning initiatives that expand access to the arts and public spaces. Ellice serves on the Massachusetts Cultural Council Board and has presented lectures and workshops for organizations including Harvard University, Boston University, and Fidelity Investments. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors for leadership, advocacy, and advancing equity and accessibility in the arts.

• Nov. 4 • Disability-Focused Events

  How S.C. arts orgs present disability-focused events, including sensory-friendly performances.

  Join a conversation with two South Carolina organizations that are expanding access to the arts through intentional accessibility initiatives. Learn how they have embedded accessibility into their programs, services, and organizational practices to create more inclusive experiences for all. Through their stories, lessons learned, and practical strategies, participants will gain ideas and inspiration for advancing accessibility within their own organizations and communities.

  Register

  Register for Nov. 4.

  Presenters

  Susan Cafferty is the director of education and community engagement for the South Carolina Philharmonic, where she leads education programs, youth orchestras, and community partnerships that expand access to live music. A retired educator, National Board-Certified Teacher, and lifelong advocate for accessibility and inclusion, Susan brings both professional expertise and personal experience as the parent of a child with multiple disabilities to her work creating welcoming arts experiences for all.

   

  

  Laura Ybarra-Kane began her museum journey as a volunteer at the South Carolina State Museum while studying anthropology and education at the University of South Carolina. She has dedicated more than 20 years to creating meaningful learning experiences for children, families, educators, and communities across the state and is passionate about making museums welcoming and accessible for all visitors. As manager of education and experiences, she leads the museum’s efforts in school programming, camps, teacher professional development, outreach initiatives, educational partnerships, and accessibility. A firm believer in the power of wonder, she hopes everyone leaves the museum inspired to discover more about their world—and beyond!

• Feb. 3 • Disabled Audiences

  Tools for embracing disabled audiences in your spaces.

  1 in 4 people identify as disabled, and they are an oft-forgotten group. As of 2018, they held $490 billion in disposable income as disabled working-age adults according to American Institutes for Research. It is an untapped market that many are leaving behind. In uncertain economic times, we can’t afford to leave any audience behind. Learn how to market to your audience and create an accessible environment to diversify your audience base.

  Register

  Register for Feb. 3.

  Presenter

  Ellice Patterson, Abilities Dance

  Ellice is the founder, executive director, and artistic director of Abilities Dance, a Boston-based dance company that champions disability representation and inclusion in the arts. A nationally recognized choreographer, educator, and accessibility advocate, she has led award-winning initiatives that expand access to the arts and public spaces. Ellice serves on the Massachusetts Cultural Council Board and has presented lectures and workshops for organizations including Harvard University, Boston University, and Fidelity Investments. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors for leadership, advocacy, and advancing equity and accessibility in the arts.

• March 3 • Incorporating ASL

  Adding ASL to your performances.

  Join us to hear from Coastal Carolina University’s theatre department as they share their journey toward creating more accessible theatrical experiences through ASL-interpreted performances. Learn how meaningful partnerships, intentional planning, and community engagement have expanded access for deaf audiences while enriching the theatre experience for all. Participants will gain practical insights and inspiration for incorporating accessibility into their own arts programming.

  Register

  Register for March 3.

  Presenter

  Steven Higginbotham, Coastal Carolina University

  Bio coming soon!