The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites nonprofit organizations to attend a free professional development workshop, Planning Accessible Events, on Tuesday, April 8, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Zoom.

Coordinated and hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, the workshop will address planning cultural events in compliance with the ADA, policies and procedures to implement, and communicating respectfully about disability both in messaging and interactions with participants.

Presenter Emily Ladau, a cultural access consultant and author, will present a primer on the major elements of accessible events and a fireside chat interspersed with audience discussion and opportunity for Q&As. Her book, Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally, was named one of the best books of 2021 by NPR.

Participants will learn how to plan accessible events — especially cultural events — with regard to specific types of disabilities, to ensure that all people can fully participate. Attendees will be encouraged to join in the discussion during this interactive session.

Organizations that receive funding through Union County’s Local Arts Grant (LAP), History Grant, and HEART (History Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant are encouraged to attend. Other nonprofit organizations based in New Jersey are also welcome.

Organizations wanting to attend this free workshop can register here.

This workshop is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, an office of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550.