SPAC Earns Sensory Inclusive Certification, Launches New Education Programs
The SPAC School of the Arts “Access the Arts” final shares at the
Spa Little Theater on April 30. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announced this week that it has earned a Sensory Inclusive Certification from KultureCity, a national nonprofit at the forefront of the inclusivity movement.
The certification builds on the launch of SPAC’s new “All-Access Nights” and “Access the Arts” education programs, which offer free classes designed to promote a greater sense of belonging in arts programming for individuals with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities.
One of the only certified locations in New York State, SPAC School of the Arts opened in 2021 and is a multi-disciplinary school that provides music, theatre, and dance programming for children and adults.
“SPAC has always been dedicated to increasing access to arts education and the live performance experience,” said SPAC Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Sobol in a statement. “But over the past few years, we have expanded from solely presenting music and dance classes to incubating new educational programming that prioritizes barrier-free arts access. Becoming one of the only Sensory Inclusive Certified locations in New York State is an incredible achievement for our SPAC School of the Arts and we are proud to continue this important work serving our community.”
KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive Certification has been widely embraced by venues, stadiums, and cultural institutions across the globe. The program provides training and resources, enabling teachers and staff to better accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. As a result, families and individuals can enjoy arts classes, live events, and public spaces with greater comfort and ease.
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions, regardless of age. Individuals might become overwhelmed by crowds, lights, sounds, smells, or other external stimuli. As part of the certification process, SPAC School of the Arts staff were trained by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags (equipped with noise canceling headphones), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads are also now available to all guests at SPAC School of the Arts.
SPAC also recently announced that it has launched a new “All-Access Nights” program at its SPAC School of the Arts, developed as a response to the need for inclusive spaces for school-age students, their families, and caregivers. The program launched with a pilot session in the fall with free music, theatre, and dance classes. The spring session runs every Wednesday through May 7, with the next session planned for Wednesdays in June.
“All-Access Nights” follows the creation of “Access the Arts,” a program for adults which began in 2023 and has since expanded its reach, working with six organizations including AIM Services and Saratoga Bridges across Warren, Washington, Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Montgomery counties. The program takes place three days a week at SPAC School of the Arts with free music, improv theatre, and dance classes for adults in day habilitation programs. “Access the Arts” culminated in a final celebratory “share” with all students, staff, caregivers, and community members on April 30 at the Spa Little Theater.