The venue is very modern and fully wheelchair accessible. The road access recommendation for Wheelchair users is to enter via the main Phoenix Street/Saxon street entrance as there is a graduated curb from the road there. For a short-walk access for people arriving via Uber/car share with walking restrictions I recommend getting dropped off on Saxon Street just off of Dawson where the entrant to the main building is closer. There is a short curb step form the road level onto the pavement here (not wheelchair suitable).

Content accessibility:
We do a lot of drama/theatre inspired games which involve moving around the space and interacting with each other in different ways. Participants are encouraged to meet each exercise in what ever way is most suitable for their body/emotions and that there is no obligation.

The nature of poetry and spoken word is that people often talk about things that have a high emotional content in them. Although I have 10 years experience in holding spaces like this, I am not a trained therapist or psychologist. I encourage students to care for their own mental health and students are welcome to step out of the space any time they need. A class assistant will be on hand to check in on any student who might need it, make them a cup of tea or take them outside for a moment. It is important to note the class assistant is also not a trained therapist, they are there as a caring and supportive peer. I try my best to work with a trauma informed lens, but reitterate again this is not run as a therapeutic program and professional support is advised for participants who are looking for that.

If English is not your first language you are still very welcome in the course. I have had many multi-lingual students in the past and you are encouraged to write or perform in what ever language feels most suitable for you. However all course content and mentoring will be presented in English.

unfortunately Voice-to-text software to write is not appropriate in the space due to the room being small and in silence when we do the group writing exercises. Past participants have chosen to use phones or laptops for their writing instead of pen and paper, participants are welcome to use whatever non vocal is most supportive of their writing.

Outside of writing exercises, a huge element of the program is voice and vocal use as well as assessing and unpacking how we use our bodies when we feel like we are being watched. I have had students in the past with vocal ticks, restricted body movement and people who use wheelchairs in the course before and the content has been suitable for them. I have not had any experience of working with Deaf/deaf students, however if this course interests you and you want to talk about access and how we can incorporate an Auslan Interpreter please reach out and we can see what is possible.

I’m always very keen and willing to learn, support and explore with participants with their unique requirements so please do contact me if you have any questions around accessibility.

All genders are welcome to participate in this course. Participants over 16 only. This is an LGBTQI+ friendly space, if this does not suit your world views, I advise you to not attend.

The facilitator does swear and is sassy in their language use, if you are looking for a more academic approach to Spoken Word, this may not be the right program for you.

If you have specific needs or questions around inclusivity or accessibility please contact me directly and I will be happy to discuss further.