Accessible Arts & Culture

Around the region, enjoy the arts at numerous accessible museums and theaters. Discover a welcoming community of all ages with diverse abilities and interests.

Accessible Art Walks
: Melinda Preciado
Jul 13
Guest Blogs

Accessible Art Walks

Did you know that Eugene and Springfield has art walks monthly?  Well they do—the one in Eugene is the first Friday of every month and the…

Dance is for everyone

Eugene-based DanceAbility International is a contemporary dance company that presents performances by dancers with mixed abilities. Join in a mixed-ability dance workshop – or if you're not ready to dance just yet, check the calendar for upcoming performances. Once you witness the wonderful choreography, you might just have a change of heart.

Better hearing with the loop system

The John G. Shedd Institute of the Arts has a hearing loop system installed in their main theater and ticket office so that people with hearing aids can tap into clearer audio.

The Shedd showcases a wonderful mix of performances including classical music, world music, jazz, Broadway theater and children's programming. They are home to the Emerald City Jazz Kings, an amazing local ensemble featuring historic jazz and American songbook melodies from the 20s through the 50s. They also host the annual Oregon Festival of American Music each summer — full of big band sounds, swing and beloved soloists. Enjoy the music uncluttered by background noise.

Radical Hospitality

Oregon Contemporary Theatre is committed to removing social and economic barriers to live theater. Their "Radical Hospitality" program includes a "pay what you can" policy at preview performances of each show. OCT is known for producing theater premiers and shows that spark positive community dialogue.

More Accessible Shows

The Hult Center for the Performing Arts offers ASL services and captioning for some shows. Contact the offices in advance to ensure the best possible experience. 

The Hult Center can also provide hearing devices, wheelchair accessible seating and sensory sensitivity packs (which contain noise-canceling headphones, fidget spinners and more) to attendees. Enjoy intimate shows in the Hult Center's Soreng Theater or grand performances in the larger Silva Concert Hall. The acts here are world-class and include Ballet Fantastique, Oregon Bach Festival, Eugene Symphony and American Theatre Guild's Broadway Series.

Art Access & VSA Programs

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art conducts drop-in art workshops for K-12 children with special needs. Additionally, conversation-based gallery tours and art-making sessions are offered for individuals with dementia in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association. The museum is wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcome. Please contact them directly for more information and program reservations.

Accessible Festivals & Events

Most indoor large event venues and sports arenas are ADA accessible. The Matthew Knight Arena, home to Duck basketball, concerts and more, offers a menu of accommodations from assistive listening devices to wheelchair storage. The open spaces of the Lane Events Center allow for exhibitors and event hosts to make accessible accommodations, ensuring that gatherings from the Oregon Asian Celebration to the Lane County Fair will be enjoyable for all. Lane Community College hosts performing arts, educational forums and sports events. The University of Oregon's Accessible Education Center provides a forum for ensuring students have equitable access to campus activities. The access advocacy crew at Oregon Country Fair strives to ensure that everyone can enjoy their unique celebration of spirit. 

Adaptive Fun

Hilyard Community Center provides social gatherings and inclusive field trips. Register in advance for fun social activities designed for people with disabilities – everything from learning to cook to shopping trips to theater performances to holiday festivals.

Social Gatherings for Seniors

The Campbell Community Center has an extensive list of art workshops, informative talks, music jams and games from bridge to bingo, table tennis to pool.

Stress-free play zone 

Learn, play and feel safe at the Adventure Children's Museum. At Valley River Center, this family-friendly zone is an ideal resting and exploration place for families with younger children. There are two spaces for sensory decompression and calm play. Ask to borrow one of their noise-canceling headphones for children that need a break from overwhelming audio input. There is a fee for admission and parents are required to stay with their children.