Access By Design Training
Bespoke Neurodivergence-focused training packages
Alternative Voices Theatre Company now deliver a neurodivergence-focused training package for employers in theatre and the Arts
Who is the project for?
- employers
- cultural organisations
- education settings
- community groups
- venues
- teams wanting to become more accessible
- Larger theatres able to pay employees and embed positive practices regarding accessibility and employment.
- Staff with the power to employ
- Front-of-house staff working with neurodiverse adults in their teams.
At the end of the package, employers will gain a practical action plan on how to make lasting change and impact within their organization.
They will pledge to create opportunities for neurodiverse adults and support them in the workplace.
each venue will gain tailored bespoke support for their own environment.
“Our six-session training programme helps organisations understand neurodiversity in practical, human terms — and make meaningful changes to spaces, communication, access and culture.”
What is it? Bespoke training package on making theatre venues more accessible for Neurodivergent, staff, audiences and artists.
Where is it? Your own environment
When is it? Once a month
How will it be done? 6 sessions, half a day long focusing on the following elements:
Why are we different?
I use my lived experience to support employers to understand how to make lasting change in their environments.
I use Occupational Therapy practice to set realistic goals and embed access as the standard not just an afterthought.
I ask Neurodivergent artists what they would like employers to learn about them and they are a key part of the conversation. We look at what we can do to make change rather than focusing on what we can’t do.
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Our Impact so far:
In 2026, we have:
Worked with 6 Theatre venues across the UK.
Created 5 Jobs.
Taught 55 Learners in the arts and culture sector.
Trained two Neurodivergent workshop facilitators.
Our Previous Sessions
Warwick Arts Centre – sessions 1-3: 15th of Jan 2026, 5th of Feb 2026, March 18th 2026
The Rep: February 12th 2026, March 9th 2026
Derby Theatre: Feb 20th 2026, March 23rd 2026
Belgrade Theatre: March 30th 2026
why is it important?
At the beginning of 2024, the Government published the Buckland Review of Autism and Employment and gave recommendations on how employers can support neurodiverse adults to gain and maintain employment and they recognized that the Autism employment gap is too wide.
In the arts, only 22% of working-age adults identify as disabled, and only 8% are employed in National Portfolio Organisations and 8% in Major Partner Museums (according to Arts Council England’s 2020-21 Diversity Report).’
As cultural organizations and charities, we believe that to help decrease this gap, we must work together to improve the quality of life for many individuals with autism and neurodivergent conditions.
The Alexandra, Birmingham training package review
On 21 April 2026, Alternative Voices Theatre Company delivered bespoke neurodivergence and accessibility training at The Alexandra, Birmingham. The three-hour session explored visual stories, quiet and sensory spaces, and the ways sensory processing differences can affect audience members, staff, and artists who have Sensory Processing Disorder or are autistic. These topics were chosen at the request of the Alex Theatre team, who wanted to develop their understanding in these areas.
Deputy Ticketing and Sales Manager and Access Champion Alice Dean said: “As a result of the training, I have big plans to revamp our visual story. I learned more about the different senses and the impact they can have on a theatre experience. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring visual stories and discovering ways to improve and enhance them. The training was informative, engaging, and gave me lots of ideas about what we can do differently.”
Theatre Director Simon Creed added: “Thank you so much for your time and help in delivering this training. It is very much appreciated here at the Alex.”
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