“Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
Tickets for Kids
ConnectAbility Program
Statement of Action
Connecting children to cultural experiences, opportunities, and resources that are inclusive of people with developmental disabilities.
Program Summary
The TFK ConnectAbility Program seeks to create and expand its partnerships with ticket providers and social service agencies who service children, youth, and young adults up to the age of 25 with developmental disabilities. Participating agencies must be in Western Pennsylvania. Our goal is to provide young people facing varying degrees of challenges with equitable access to inclusive, enriching activities and events. By doing so, we hope that children with developmental disabilities are inspired to see a future without limits and have breakthroughs of their own.
How it Works
To participate in the TFK ConnectAbility Program, agencies must be a participating TFK agency partner. This means they have met all general requirements and completed the agency application process. In addition, participating agency partners must service youth with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), such as autism. Applications can be completed at https://ticketsforkids.org/tickets/.
TFK will not limit any agency’s request for tickets, however, ConnectAbility Program agencies will be given priority for Sensory Friendly events and performances. All Sensory Friendly events for which tickets are requested must be inclusive of youth with a disability.
Moving Forward: Action Steps & Updates
Experiences – Sensory Friendly events and performances are now more accessible on the TFK portal! Enter “Sensory Friendly” in the search box.
Opportunities – The TFK ConnectAbility Program seeks to create and expand its partnerships with ticket providers and social service agencies, thereby establishing a broader path to unique opportunities for youth with disabilities.
Resources – Event descriptions are being updated with available accommodations. Agencies will be supported in knowing what resources and accessibility accommodations are available at partnering venues. By providing this connection to resources, we hope that our partner agencies will be confident that the events they request will have what is needed to allow their youth to be fully included in and enjoy the experience.
For more information please contact Comocrea Johnson, Program Coordinator by email at comocrea@ticketsforkids.org
