Accessibility is a core value of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council.
Whether you’re sharing space with us in person or attending a virtual program, we offer a variety of accommodations to allow everyone to fully participate in our programs and are continually striving to improve accommodations.
Our programs and events are held at a variety of locations throughout the region and online via Zoom. We welcome you to contact us so that we can provide the best access possible to our events and programs — please describe any accommodation that helps your participation.
What to Expect During Virtual Programs
The Arts Council uses Zoom to facilitate its virtual events, programs, and meetings. Every effort will be made to ensure virtual presentations use high contrast and large fonts. However, some of our events are contracted through outside experts and vendors who create their own presentations. If you require a presentation that is accessible to someone with low vision, please let us know two weeks prior to the event.
Our virtual events can also have an ASL interpreter or open captioning upon request. Event recordings can also be captioned. Please request these services at least two weeks in advance.
What to Expect During In-Person Events
The Arts Council is currently working remotely and no longer has a physical location. However, the organization continues to host in-person events at outside venues, as well as in-person meetings and site visits with members of our staff. If you would like access to any accommodations listed below, we encourage you to reach out to us at events@pittsburghartscouncil.org in advance so we can make any needed arrangements or materials available.
For participants with mobility disabilities
- All venues for Arts Council events are chosen with accessibility in mind. If we're provided with specific accessibility info from a venue ahead of the event, we will provide details on the individual event page. Arts Council staff is happy to provide curb-to-seat assistance for anyone who requests support. We ask that you let us know the day before the event if you would like assistance entering the location.
- Please request wheelchair seating when registering for any program.
For participants who are blind or have low vision
- Materials for all Arts Council events and meetings are available in large print or digital formats upon request.
- We are pleased to provide Audio Description services for select programming upon request. Please request this service at least two weeks in advance.
- Arts Council staff will gladly greet participants to provide curb-to-seat service. Please request this service a minimum of one day prior to the event and someone will meet you at the door of the building when you arrive.
For participants who are deaf or hard of hearing
- American Sign Language Interpreters are available as requested. Please request this service at least two weeks in advance so we can properly book an interpreter.
- Open Captioning is also available as requested. Please request this service at least two weeks in advance.
- Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are available in some venues on a first come, first served basis.
- Anyone requesting ASL interpretation or open captioning will receive preferred seating.
Transportation accessibility
Arts Council events are located throughout the city of Pittsburgh and are accessible through public transportation. These transportation systems are wheelchair accessible.
- All Pittsburgh Port Authority bus and light rail/T vehicles and the Monongahela Incline are accessible.
- Pittsburgh Port Authority buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps or lifts.
- ACCESS is a door-to-door, advance reservation, shared ride paratransit system provided through Port Authority. Call 412.562.5353 for details.
- Classy Cab (412.322.5080) and Veterans' Taxi (412.481.8387) offer wheelchair accessible taxi service.