in
the
Loop
BUILDING A MOVEMENTPittsburgh’s
Arts and Culture
Community Embracing
Accessibility and
Inclusion of People
with Disabilities
Do you know someone who loves the arts but
stopped going because they couldn’t see the
stage, read the program or hear the dialogue?
Good news! Times have changed!
FISA Foundation has promoted the
inclusion of people with disabilities into
What’s
news in
Penn Hills
the region’s performing arts, theaters and
museums. Through collaboration with
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the Greater
Pittsburgh Arts Council and the Allegheny
Regional Asset District, arts organizations are
training staff on inclusive practices, changing
policies and providing accommodations
to ensure that the arts are available to all
members of the community.
Most of Pittsburgh’s cultural organizations
now have accessibility information on their
4 724.942.0940 to advertise | Penn Hills
websites. It’s becoming common to find
large-print programs, hearing amplification,
accessible seating and adapted performances.
FISA Foundation recently released
Building a Movement: How Pittsburgh’s
Arts and Cultural Community is Embracing
Accessibility and Inclusion of People with
Disabilities. The report can be accessed at
fisafoundation.org/about/centennial-report.
Local Veteran
Honored by the House
of Representatives
John R. Ayers, a resident of Penn Hills, was
recently honored with a citation from the State
House of Representatives for his extraordinary
achievements.
Ayers is the first African American male
to serve as director of volunteer services for
the Southwestern Veterans Center. A veteran
of the U.S. Navy, Ayers served as a seaman
and fireman on board the U.S.S. Downes DE
1070, based in Long Beach and San Diego,
California.
He graduated from the University of
Pittsburgh and was the first recipient of the
Hill House Fellowship, an organization which
strives to realize the potential of all individuals
through education and supportive human
services. He is also a member of the Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Ayers was chosen for the designation by
State Representative Edward C. Gainey of the
24th Legislative District. He is the father of
two children, Dion and Chalese.
Citation recipient John R. Ayers, with Rep. Edward C. Gainey to his right.