Shadow puppetry at The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre
From April to September 2009, Accessible Arts undertook a scoping study of disability services in Western Sydney to determine their knowledge and use of arts centres in the region.
The scoping study involved consulting with the disability sector through conducting a survey and compiling a database of disability service contacts in Western Sydney.
Objectives of study:
- To provide information about the access of arts centres in Western Sydney by the disability sector
- To create a database of disability service contacts in Western Sydney.
Survey questions focused on areas such as awareness and frequency of visits to local arts centres; barriers to access; most appropriate performance and workshop times and costs; the types of activities and services people are interested in, including outreach, and the best way to keep people informed about future events and opportunities.
The disability services that participated in the survey predominantly offer day programs, community participation programs or provide information about opportunities to people with a disability in Western Sydney.
Thanks to the seventeen disability services that participated in the survey including Disability Services Australia, Australian Foundation for Disability, Nepean Area Disabilities Organisation, Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association, The Junction Works, Sunnyfield, Northcott Disability Services, Inala, Woodville Community Services Inc, Autism Spectrum Australia, Disability Enterprises, Liverpool Community Access Service, McCall Gardens Community Ltd, Flintwood Disability Services Inc, North West Disability Services, Warrah and Wesley Mission.
The survey results have been collated and a report outlining the survey findings is now available for download.
Findings from the scoping study will be used to inform future practice of Accessible Arts and Western Sydney arts organisations.
For more information contact Jennifer Teo, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, 02 9251 6499 ext 111 jteo@aarts.net.au.
