For so many, art is the opportunity for growth through expression, communication, and building confidence. It creates communities, jobs, and so much more. And yet the pathway to pursuing the arts is left out of the conversation for so many people with disabilities.
This month we sat down with Jamie Lewis, RTD (Regional Transportation District) Director for District A in Denver, Transit Advisor for CCDC (Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition), and multi-disciplinary artist. From the stage to art galleries, Jamie has been breaking the barriers in the arts for years and wants to continue creating opportunities for more artists with disabilities.
Discussed in this episode
- Creating more platforms for artists with disabilities;
- The benefits of arts education;
- Confronting accessibility barriers;
- The beauty of integrated dance;
- Advice for young artists and their parents; and
- Inclusion through the opportunity to fail.
Why you should tune in
Hear from a lived experience around the opportunities that art creates and how you can help widen the pathway to the arts for people with disabilities. The world of art can only be strengthened by the voice of people with disabilities.
Learn more by watching a vodcast (video) or listening to podcast (audio) episode 82.
Jamie Lewis: Local Artist, RTD Director District A, and Transit Advisor at CCDC
Timestamps:
- 1:00 – Jamie’s experience in arts and accessibility
- 5:00 – Creating platforms for artists with disabilities
- 9:00 – Importance of arts education
- 10:25 – Navigating accessibility barriers
- 12:20 – Increased efforts towards accessibility in organizations
- 14:35 – Integrated accessibility in dance
- 16:40 – Creating room for the disability community to fail
- 20:55 – Inclusive experiences and tackling stereotypes
- 26:15 – Advice for people with disabilities wanting to pursue the arts
This work is made possible through support from Colorado Access, Dungarvin, arc Thrift Stores, Developmental Pathways, and The Arc of Aurora.