DUF Accessibility Policy
It is the policy of the Danzantes Unidos Festival to ensure that all individuals are treated equally and that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, political affiliation, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, age, or ability, be excluded from safely participating in our programs. Our Festival is designed to be inclusive of all, we operate in venues that meet all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Danzantes Unidos does not discriminate on the basis of ability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to safely participate in all services, programs, and activities. Danzantes Unidos provides all print and online materials in a third grade reading level to allow all participants and guests to access and understand the online content. Danzantes Unidos uses language that is inclusive and does not discriminate.
DUF venues are equipped with accessible parking, entrances, and restrooms. We partner with schools & universities to provide ADA compliant accommodations and upon request, work with participants to ensure a space that is large enough and free of obstacles for individuals with mobility impairments. While DUF does not have the capacity to offer ASL interpreters and audio describers for performances and classes, we do accommodate students with special needs who bring along their paraprofessionals and attendants.
A sizable percentage of our DUF Maestros have the experience to provide instruction that is adaptable and inclusive for individuals with different needs. Our festival provides specialized classes designed for individuals with disabilities, providing modifications and adaptations to suit different abilities. In these classes, instructors demonstrate movements at different intensities and levels to accommodate individuals.
Within our DUF Liaisons are staff members who can assist with specific needs, such as providing assistance with entering the building and navigating the space to accommodate the use of assistive devices like wheelchairs or walkers in the studio. DUF is all about networking and the creation of “buddy” partners in class where typically developing students are recruited as liaisons to pair with students with disabilities for support and encouragement.
There are several ways in which we keep our ear to the ground to remain relevant. In-the-moment and during DUF weekend we gather our instructors for a midday debriefing to ensure that their spaces and classes are all in good running order. This immediate feedback enables us to move quickly to maintain the quality of instruction. Our participant survey provides a process for reporting accessibility concerns or discrimination. Our biennial Director Dialogue series provides the forum for discussion and pre-planning in order to remain relevant. DUF policies are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they remain effective and responsive to the evolving needs of the community. Additionally, we welcome collaborations with organizations focused on disability arts to provide valuable resources and support for creating inclusive programs.