Resources

The National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division is the largest and most active organization of blind performing artists. But there are many other resources for blind people who are interested in getting involved and honing their skills in the exciting world of performing arts! Below you will find a collection of resources from competitions to training programs. We’re always looking to add to this page, so feel free to contact us (
www.nfb-pad.org/contact
) with resources you would like to share with our community.

NFB Performing Arts Division Resources

Alternative Techniques and Approaches for Acting, Dance, and Music Performers and Industry Professionals

Blind Performer Fact Sheet

A resource of solutions to create an equal, integrated, and inclusive performing environment based on collective experience of blind and low-vision people.

Scene Change Podcast

www.nfb-pad.org/podcast

Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcatcher to hear episodes about all things blindness and performing arts, ranging from aerial silks to comedy, and everything in between.

External Organizations and Resources

Access Acting Academy

https://www.accessacting.com/

Founded by renowned blind actress Merilee Talkington, Access Acting Academy offers classes and coaching for aspiring disabled actors who want to hone their craft and express themselves onstage.

Accessibility is Not a Four-Letter Word Seminar

https://www.christinaebersohl.com/faq

This is an interactive seminar (live or via webinar) in which participants are guided through adaptations for Western music courses, studio teaching practices, and institutional policies. Common resources and practices utilized by blind performers and music students are explored in real time.

Audio Description Project

www.adp.acb.org

This resource contains everything you need to know about audio description, from a Master AD List to how and where
to get training to become an audio describer.

Bella Music Foundation International Music Competition

https://bellamf.org/bmf-international-music-competition

This competition, a collaboration between the Bella Music Foundation and Dancing Dots, recognizes young classical artists from around the world who are blind/visually impaired.

Dancing Dots

http://www.dancingdots.com

Founded by a blind musician, this company is home to the Goodfeel Suite, the most reliable software for transcribing and embossing Braille music, as well as the Lime Lighter and Lime Aloud software that enables music reading and writing for low vision users via enlargement or interaction with a screen reader. You can also find numerous resources on their website for learning Braille music, including Richard Taesch’s Braille and print tutorials and this downloadable cheat sheet (email atatchment from Bill McCann will be posted soon).

Dark Room Ballet

https://darkroomballet.com

Ballet classes for blind dancers with Krishna Washburn; a place where blind and visually impaired dancers explore new boundaries of movement and expression.

I See Music LLC

www.iseemusic.org

I See Music is a service provider that trains the visually impaired and totally blind in audio production as it pertains to adaptive technology.

Kennedy Center VSA International Young Soloists Award

https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/opportunities-for HYPERLINK "https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/opportunities-for-artists/compe..." HYPERLINK "https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/opportunities-for-artists/compe..." HYPERLINK "https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/opportunities-for-artists/compe..."- HYPERLINK "https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/opportunities-for-artists/compe..." HYPERLINK "https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/opportunities-for-artists/compe..." HYPERLINK "https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/opportunities-for-artists/compe..."artists/competitions-and-commissions/vsa-international-young-soloists/

Award for disabled musicians age 14-25 with a cash prize and opportunity to perform at the Kennedy Center.

MENVI

http://menvi.org/

The Music Education Network for the Visually Impaired (MENVI,) an organization that brings together blind musicians, teachers of blind students, and music educators, offers a wide array of resources for those seeking to learn more about music education. MENVI also offers opportunities for networking and discussion, including a popular email listserv.

NFB Braille Music Resources

https://www.nfb.org/resources/braille-resources/braille-music-resources

An extensive listing of various resources for learning and producing Braille music.

Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD)

http://www.rampd.org

RAMPD is a fast-growing coalition founded by award-winning recording artist Lachi whose mission is to elevate disability culture, promote inclusion, and advocate for accessibility within the music industry. You can join the community and the movement via the website, as well as find resources. All disabilities welcome!

Braille Monitor Articles

Creating Access in the Arts and Beyond by Precious Perez

https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm21/bm2107/bm210705.htm?fbcl...

A Dream Come True by Leslie Hamric

https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm19/bm1910/bm191009.htm

Let Us Play Us: Starting Down the Road to Equality on Stage and Screen by Julie McGinnity

https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm19/bm1906/bm190603.htm

Nation’s Blind Blog Articles

See for Me: Finally, We’re on the Right Track by Danielle McCann and Chris Danielsen

https://nfb.org/blog/see-me-finally-were-right-track

Thinking Fast for a Show: How I Conquered My Anxiety to Perform on Stage by Precious Perez

https://nfb.org/blog/thinking-fast-show-how-i-conquered-my-anxiety-perfo...

"Pork Chops Taste Good, Bacon Tastes Good!" Why I Am an Advocate for Audio Description by Everette Bacon

https://nfb.org/blog/pork-chops-taste-good-bacon-tastes-good-why-i-am-ad...

Inclusion in the Theater: Embracing Your Passion for Performance by Elizabeth Rouse

https://nfb.org/blog/inclusion-theater-embracing-your-passion-performance

Treading Carefully with New Blindness Drama, See by Chris Danielsen

https://nfb.org/blog/treading-carefully-new-blindness-drama-see

Let Us Play Us: Real Stories from Blind Artists by Alyssa Vetro

https://nfb.org/blog/let-us-play-us-real-stories-blind-artists

Finding a Career in Music Therapy by Kaiti Shelton

https://nfb.org/blog/finding-career-music-therapy

Bittersweet Ballet Recitals by Mary Jo

https://nfb.org/blog/bittersweet-ballet-recitals

Dealt: A Card Mechanic's Success in the Face of Blindness

https://nfb.org/blog/dealt-card-mechanics-success-face-blindness

Singing to the Rhythm of Our Movement by Julie McGinnity

https://nfb.org/blog/singing-rhythm-our-movement

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