Services
Our Services
Individualized Consulting Service
- We offer concierge anti-ableist consulting to performing arts institutions, custom-fit to their unique needs, culture, and capacity.
- Our culturally expert consultants guide arts groups in designing, executing, and integrating access services that are culturally competent and sustainable. These services are developed by and for Deaf, Disabled, and BIPOC/AAPI communities.
- We prioritize obtaining and granting subsidies for these services whenever feasible because access is an essential service.
Training Programs
- Vox provides culturally competent access training to Deaf, disabled and marginalized (BIPOC/AAPI/LGBTQ+) access providers to expand the field of culturally expert access providers locally and globally. (See Education Page)
- Our goal is to enhance and grow the domain of culturally expert access providers both locally and globally.
Referral and Onboarding Services
- Vox aids in the referral, hiring, and onboarding of culturally competent access providers.
- We partner with institutions that are eager and equipped to amplify their access in a thoughtful, anti-ableist manner.
Webinars and Speaking Engagements
- We offer webinars on a variety of topics and can customize an anti-ableist training for your arts organization.
- Vox expert consultants are available for public speaking engagements and to serve as panelists on topics of best practices in arts access.
- Vox non-negotiables are that we will not serve as token experts, to check a legal compliance box or as part of a punitive process.
Where to start
Ask yourself these questions:
- How do you prioritize accessibility within your current DEI initiatives? In what way is your organization barrier ridden?
- How do you find out what you don’t know? Who can you ask?
- Who are your stakeholders? How do you identify, find and retain them?
| Answer Choices | Number of Responses | Response Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 183 | 72.05% |
| No | 2 | 0.79% |
| Maybe | 47 | 18.50% |
| Access needs do not impact how frequently I/we visit arts and cultural organizations | 22 | 8.66% |
| Total | 254 | 100% |
Contact VOX
Testimonials
Think Outside the Vox are leaders in the field of accessibility within performing arts settings. Their dedication and passion for making theater welcoming to everyone, both front of house and back of house, on-stage and off-stage, is unwavering. They work tirelessly with theaters of all sizes, encouraging them to incorporate anti-ableist and anti-racist practices within their organizations for company members and patrons. I have had the good fortune of working with them as colleagues, as theatrical consultants, and with Chris as an ASL Interpreter, and have always appreciated their insights on ways to ensure equitable experiences for all.
– JULIE SIMON, PH.D., RID CI/CT
Accessibility Manager, Oregon Shakespeare Company
I was so impressed by their ability to translate the lived experiences of user experts into concrete, actionable recommendations that reflect the needs of diverse audiences. Think Outside the Vox brought insight, empathy, and professionalism to every step of the process, helping us address key accessibility challenges related to wayfinding, event navigation, and digital communications. Because of their work, Arlington Porchfest will offer a more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming experience for all attendees in the year to come and beyond.
– TOM FORMICOLA
Executive Director, Arlington Center for the Arts
I’ve been leading my organization in an accessibility journey for a few years now and the benefit of being able to ask questions and learn from my colleagues in the field is honestly immeasurable. Be it everyday matters of language or contacts, or larger conceptual challenges of identifying funding sources or building an audience, I have relied heavily on Sam and the wisdom she’s been willing to share. Vox is so generous and eager to help, and I’ve found that to be enormously beneficial in my own personal growth, as well as that of the organization for whom I work.
– ALEX LONATI
Community & Artistic Programs Manager, SpeakEasy Stage Co.
Sam and Olivia during our staff training met us where we were and helped build a shared foundation among staff through thoughtful education and conversation. Their approach created common ground to both celebrate what we’re doing well and identify where we have room to grow […] We’re walking away with specific resources in how we communicate with the public in and outside of the park, physical and sensory barriers, and actionable steps towards a more accessible space.
– JEN MERGEL
James and Audrey Foster Executive Director, Esplanade Association
Last year, I was invited to participate in free training and follow-up of an Audio Description course Sam and Chris held intended to bring diversity to the Audio Description pool of describers. Thanks to this training and support, I have worked at numerous local theaters as an audio describer on a variety of shows. I am very grateful for Sam and Chris’ support and encouragement. With Sam’s Open Door Theater, and Chris’ ASL work, in addition to the training I attended, I see that they honestly “Walk the Walk” in regards to anti-ableism and anti-racism.
– GAMALIA PHARMS
Actor and Audio Describer
I had the incomparable honor and privilege of having the play I was in Don’t Eat The Mangos interpreted in ASL and also Audio Described at The Huntington Theater in Boston. What an amazing experience to be able to include and expand our audience. The interpretation was so skillful and masterfully done that we knew the entire audience was with us. I highly recommended the experience helping make the arts more inclusive.
– JESSICA PIMENTAL
Actress and Singer
