Our commitment to accessibility is strengthened through meaningful partnerships with Empire State University CAARES, Saratoga Bridges, The Arc New York, AIM Services, Community Based Services, and other regional organizations. Together, we design and deliver arts experiences that meet people where they are, respond to individual needs, and expand access to creative opportunities across our community.
Accessibility & Belonging
Across all SPAC Education programs, accessibility is foundational to our work. It shapes how we design experiences, teach, and welcome every member of our community. We believe the arts nurture wellbeing, build confidence, and strengthen connection, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone has meaningful, supported opportunities to participate.
Sensory Inclusive Spaces
We recognize that everyone experiences the world differently. Whether attending a class at SPAC School of the Arts or enjoying a performance on SPAC’s amphitheater grounds, we are committed to providing welcoming spaces where individuals can take a break, find comfort, and engage with the arts in ways that work best for them.
Sensory Support Room at SPAC School of the Arts
SPAC School of the Arts features a dedicated, year-round KultureCity-certified Sensory Support Room, designed for individuals who may benefit from a quieter, lower-stimulation environment.
This welcoming space features comfortable and flexible seating, soft ambient lighting, sensory tools, and calming resources. Whether someone needs a moment to decompress, regulate, or simply take a break, the room provides an opportunity to reset before returning to their activities.
The Sensory Support Room is available to students and visitors at SPAC School of the Arts, supporting our commitment to making arts education accessible, comfortable, and meaningful for everyone.
Seasonal Sensory Support Space on SPAC Amphitheater Grounds
During SPAC’s summer classical season, a Seasonal Sensory Support Space offers audience members a welcoming, quieter environment away from the sights, sounds, and activity of a live performance.
Located next to the Hall of Springs, this staffed space features comfortable seating and sensory tools to support individuals with a variety of sensory needs. Visitors are welcome to use the space to take a break, decompress, or simply enjoy a quieter moment before returning to the performance.
The Seasonal Sensory Support Space is available during all New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra performances, as well as the Festival of Young Artists. The space is open to everyone, and no advance arrangements or access requests are necessary.
Inclusive Teaching & Universal Design
Our teaching practices are grounded in Universal Design for Learning, or UDL. This means we plan classes with flexibility from the start, offering multiple ways to engage, participate, and demonstrate learning. Visual schedules, choice based materials, movement breaks, varied communication methods, and adaptable pacing are integrated into our classes to support diverse learners.
All classes at SPAC School of the Arts are open to everyone and support personal goals, making them eligible for OPWDD Self Direction funding. We work closely with families and support teams to ensure that each participant’s needs and strengths are understood and honored.
Community Partnerships
Social Narrative
To support preparation and comfort, a social narrative for visiting SPAC School of the Arts or attending programs on SPAC grounds is available below:
https://venue.kulturecity.org/venues/spac-school-of-the-arts
If you have specific access needs or questions, we welcome you to reach out. We are committed to listening, learning, and ensuring that SPAC is a place where everyone can create, connect, and belong.