Our Progress
Arts Umbrella is continuously working to improve the accessibility of our classes, our communication, and our spaces. Our aim is to create a welcoming and accessible a place for the whole Arts Umbrella community.
We have always opened our doors to students with additional learning needs and since 2021, Arts Umbrella is continuously working to improve the accessibility of our classes, our communication, and our spaces. Our aim is to create a welcoming and accessible a place for the whole Arts Umbrella community.
Here are some of the highlights of our accessibility work from the past few years. We are committed to sharing our progress, deepening the involvement of our Arts Umbrella community in this work, and doing our best to support our students in whichever creative paths they choose.
2021
Moved to larger, more accessible facility on Granville Island.
2022
Piloted an updated accessibility process during summer & completed evaluation. Rolled out this updated access process in the fall.
2023
Training for faculty in disability awareness, AU process, autism awareness. Completed a review of our washroom accessibility. Began a broader accessibility strategy for the future of Arts Umbrella.
2024
Continued training for faculty through partner organizations and began building upgrades to improve physical access.
2025
Continued building upgrades to improve access including an upgrade to our elevator to improve building access and safety. Launched a new website to enhance the accessibility of our information and communication.
2026
Advanced accessibility through improved wayfinding, signage and replacement front doors at our Granville Island location. Theatre accessibility was enhanced with flexible seating for patrons using wheeled mobility devices and a custom-built ramp to improve access to audience seating. Universal washrooms upgraded on all public floors.
Support Our Accessibility Initiatives
Would you like to be a part of this work? We get better with the support and collaboration of our students, families, staff, and visitors. Reach out to [email protected] to share your feedback or become part of shaping accessibility at Arts Umbrella.
If you would like to donate to our accessibility initiatives, please contact [email protected].
