Empowering Community

Mission Statement: ACCESS ATL empowers the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and DeafBlind community through accessible arts, education, and community connection, fostering inclusivity and enriching lives.

Purpose: To support the community by providing services, education, and referrals to enhance accessibility at venues and community events for individuals with sensory or dual sensory loss.

Our Three Pillars

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Pillar:

Arts

We empower the Deaf community’s full participation in the arts from theater and Broadway shows to concerts, conventions, museums, and exhibitions. We believe access to the arts is access to culture, identity, and belonging, and we are committed to making every artistic experience inclusive.
We partner with theaters, performing arts venues, museums, schools, libraries, and conventions to create accessible performances and events. Through accessibility education and training, we help venues adopt Deaf culture and best practices, ensuring their spaces welcome everyone.
We also work with theatrical and performance interpreters to strengthen language fluency and artistic interpretation, so that every production resonates with authenticity and depth.
Our commitment goes beyond individual events. By building lasting relationships with cultural institutions, arts leaders, and community organizations, we create pathways for Deaf artists, audiences, and allies to engage, contribute, and thrive.
Art in all its forms, music, theater, visual arts, literary and language arts, belongs to everyone, and we are here to make that vision a reality.

Pillar: Teaching

We believe teaching is an art, a powerful way to connect, inspire, and move the needle toward a more inclusive world. Our teaching pillar centers on Deaf involvement, interpreter mentoring, and community education, ensuring that knowledge is shared with compassion and cultural respect.

We partner with schools, colleges, community centers, interpreter training programs, and Deaf-led organizations to create meaningful learning opportunities. From workshops on Deaf culture and accessibility to professional development for interpreters and educators, we provide tools that build both skill and awareness.

We collaborate with interpreters, Deaf mentors, and community leaders to strengthen language fluency, interpreting strategies, and ethical decision-making. Whether it’s teaching ASL classes, hosting interpreter mentorship programs, or providing accessibility training for staff and venues, we help educators and professionals grow in confidence and cultural competence.

Teaching is not just about information; it’s about creating spaces where Deaf and hearing communities learn with and from each other. By investing in education, mentorship, and collaboration, we ensure that accessibility and interpreting practices continue to evolve and thrive.

Our commitment is to teaching that transforms: teaching that uplifts, connects, and builds a more inclusive future.

Pillar: Language

Language is the foundation of connection, access, and learning. For Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and DeafBlind students, fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and English is essential to thriving in school and in life. Our Language pillar advances educational equity by building fluency, addressing accessibility gaps, and ensuring that students and educators have the resources they need.

We provide specialized training for K–12 interpreters, teachers, and students, helping to improve both ASL and English fluency. By equipping interpreters and educators with strong language and cultural skills, we open the door for Deaf students to engage fully in classrooms, performances, and community spaces.

We collaborate with schools, districts, and educational programs to create inclusive learning environments where Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and DeafBlind students can thrive. This includes assessing accessibility gaps, offering interpreter mentoring, and providing professional development tailored to the unique needs of K–12 education.

We also develop resources for students, families, and educators, ensuring that access to language is never left to chance. From ASL language programs and bilingual education support to training in accessible classroom practices, we are committed to making language a bridge, not a barrier.

Our vision is clear: language equity through fluency. By advancing fluency in both ASL and English, we create pathways for Deaf students to participate fully, learn confidently, and contribute their voices to every space they enter.

What We Do

At ACCESS ATL, our work includes:

Providing theatrical interpreters for live theater, concerts, festivals, and conventions
Partnering with museums and galleries for accessible exhibitions
Leading ASL classes, interpreter mentoring, and accessibility workshops
Supporting K–12 education through specialized training and resources
Building partnerships between venues, schools, interpreters, and the Deaf community