At the WYO Performing Arts & Education Center, we believe the arts should be accessible to everyone. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where all individuals—regardless of ability—can experience, enjoy, and participate in the performing arts.
We strive to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and are actively working to reduce barriers to access across our performances, programs, and facilities. Our efforts include physical accessibility, accessible communication, and inclusive programming.
We welcome feedback and collaboration from our community as we continue to expand our accessibility initiatives. If you have specific access needs or accommodation requests, please contact us at ebutler@wyotheater.com or poverton@wyotheater.com so we can assist you.
Together, we can ensure that the WYO is a place where everyone is seen, heard, and felt.
WYO Theater Accessibility Plan
Adopted: July 14, 2025
Review Cycle: Annually
Lead Staff Member: Erin Butler, Executive Director
1. Purpose and Commitment
The WYO Performing Arts & Education Center is committed to making the arts accessible to all members of our community. This Accessibility Plan is designed to guide our board, staff, and volunteers in ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and to foster a culture of inclusion, participation, and equity in all we do.
2. Guiding Principles
- Inclusion: Everyone deserves equal access to live arts experiences, regardless of physical, sensory, cognitive, or other disabilities.
- Compliance: We will meet or exceed the legal requirements set forth by the ADA and Section 504.
- Proactivity: Accessibility will be considered for all programming, planning, and facility upgrades.
- Responsiveness: We will seek, welcome, and respond to feedback from patrons, artists, and staff regarding accessibility.
- Training: Our staff and volunteers will be informed and trained annually on accessibility practices.
3. Accessibility Goals and Actions
A. Facility Access
- Maintain ADA-compliant entrances, seating, and restrooms.
- Provide accessible seating in a variety of locations.
- Ensure stage and backstage areas are accessible to artists and staff where feasible.
B. Programmatic Access
- Offer alternative formats of programs and communications (large print, digital, Braille upon request).
- Provide assistive listening devices and accessible tech at performances.
- Encourage accessibly inclusive casting and participation in education and community programs.
C. Communication and Outreach
- Accessibility features and information is available and easily accessible.
- Provide a contact person for accessibility questions and requests.
- Include an accessibility statement in select marketing (website).
D. Staff and Volunteer Training
- Conduct annual training on ADA compliance, customer service, and inclusive practices.
- Ensure ushers and front-of-house staff feel equipped to guide patrons with disabilities.
E. Feedback and Continuous Improvement
- Collect patron feedback via surveys, comment cards, and conversations.
- Caption or interpret selected events based on need and availability of resources.
- Establish and maintain an Accessibility Advisory Committee.
- Review and revise this plan annually to reflect new needs, technologies, and best practices.
4. Responsibility and Oversight
The Executive Director, in partnership with the Accessibility Advisory Committee and designated front-of-house and technical staff, is responsible for implementing and monitoring this plan.
Progress will be reviewed annually, and updates will be presented to the Board of Directors and incorporated into the WYO’s long-range planning.
5. Contact Information
For more information, feedback, or to request accommodations, please contact:
Erin Butler, Executive Director
Phone: 307-672-9083x2
Email: ebutler@wyotheater.com
Website: www.wyotheater.com
WYO Theater Emergency Preparedness Plan
Including Provisions for Patrons with Disabilities
Adopted: July 14, 2025
Review Cycle: Annually
Lead Staff Member: Erin Butler, Executive Director
1. Purpose
The WYO Performing Arts & Education Center is committed to ensuring the safety of all patrons, artists, staff, and volunteers in the event of an emergency. This plan outlines procedures for evacuation, communication, and emergency response, with specific consideration for individuals with disabilities.
2. Emergency Types Covered
- Fire
- Medical Emergencies
- Power Outages
- Active Threats
- Facility Malfunctions (e.g. elevator failure)
3. General Procedures
- Evacuation routes are posted and reviewed regularly.
- Staff and volunteers are trained annually in emergency protocols.
- All exits, including ADA-compliant routes, are kept clear at all times.
- Emergency lights and alarms are checked regularly.
4. Accessibility Provisions
A. Pre-Emergency Planning
- Accessible Routes: Identify and maintain clearly marked accessible exits.
- Seating Maps: Maintain a current map showing where patrons using wheelchairs, walkers, or with other mobility considerations are seated.
- Volunteer Assignments: Ushers and volunteers are assigned to assist patrons with disabilities in an emergency.
B. Communication
- Visual and Auditory Alerts: Emergency notifications use both visual (strobe lights) and auditory (alarms, announcements) systems.
- Staff Communication: Staff are trained to use simple, direct communication, and visual cues where appropriate.
- Assistive Devices: Make accommodations for patrons using assistive listening devices, service animals, or mobility equipment during emergency communications and evacuations.
C. Evacuation Support
- Mobility Assistance: Staff or designated volunteers will assist patrons using wheelchairs or other mobility devices to the nearest accessible exit or Area of Refuge (if applicable).
- Service Animals: Patrons with service animals will not be separated from their animal during evacuation.
5. Staff & Volunteer Roles
6. Training & Drills
- Annual Training: All staff and volunteers receive annual training that includes evacuation procedures, disability awareness, and how to assist patrons in emergencies.
7. Communication After an Emergency
- Post-Incident Support: Follow up with patrons or staff with disabilities who were affected.
- Documentation: Note what worked, what didn’t, and revise this plan accordingly.
8. Contact Information
For questions or to request accommodations in advance, contact:
Erin Butler, Executive Director
Phone: 307-672-9083
Email: ebutler@wyotheater.com
Website: wyotheater.com
