The DD Awareness Month Celebration continues!

Over the weekend, Summit DD was proud to team up with Summit ArtSpace to host the first Akron ArtWalk of the year “A Vision of Empowerment” in recognition of DD Awareness Month. Over 400 attendees joined us for a celebration of the arts – all with accessibility and inclusion at the heart of the evening!

In planning for this event, Summit DD supported Summit ArtSpace’s inclusion efforts by conducting an on-site accessibility audit which identified various ways to foster accessibility during the ArtWalk. Our team provided support in implementing accessibility recommendations, including connecting Summit ArtSpace to the Accessibility Lending Library, a groundbreaking resource that allows community members and event organizers to borrow accessibility support items at no cost. Summit DD is a proud partner of the Accessibility Lending Library!

Summit DD and Summit ArtSpace also worked together on a mentorship program that provided professionalism support for artists with disabilities. The mentorship program connected Summit DD-served artists with professional artists from Summit ArtSpace to develop professional skills, such as setting up a vendor table, what to bring to an art show, interacting with customers, and more. The artists who participated in the mentorship program – Amanda Branham, Elizabeth Cooper, and Rachel Parker – were featured “Empowered Artists” during the ArtWalk. Especially exciting is that all three artists sold work at their vendor tables during the ArtWalk! Plus, an extra special shoutout to artist Amanda Branham whose work was featured on New Day Cleveland!

The inclusive ArtWalk featured:

• “A Vision of Empowerment,” a Summit Artspace exhibition showcasing artworks created by individuals with disabilities. Exhibiting artists, including Rex Mitchell and Jozlyn Kriska, attended to discuss their work.
• Information and activities at Summit DD’s booth where visitors learned more about our services and supports.
• The Inclusioneers’ Mobile Sensory Bus, supported by Summit DD staff, was available in front of the building for folks who needed a sensory break from the activities.
• A Quiet Room, which offered a calming atmosphere, Summit DD staff on-site for support, and featured various Accessibility Lending Library items.
• An Activity Room, supported by Summit DD staff, which included various art and musical activities for attendees to enjoy – many of the items utilized in this space also came from the Accessibility Lending Library items!
• United Disability Services showcasing their Toy Lending Library.

Summit DD was proud to partner with Summit Artspace on the inclusive Akron ArtWalk: A Vision of Empowerment. By partnering together, we are creating even more inclusive opportunities for folks of all abilities in Summit County and showing other organizations that they can foster inclusion, too! For more information about the ways Summit DD is celebrating March DD Awareness Month 2024, please visit SummitDD.org.