IAC strives to be accessible to all and serve as a model to the state. We also strive to move our field forward in this work through programs, policies, capacity building, and technical assistance. To help us in this work, we developed the Accessibility in the Arts Advisory Committee (AAAC) to:
- Evaluate IAC policies, practices, and programs to identify accessibility barriers and opportunities for improvement
- Serve as a cadre of experts to consult on questions of accessibility as they arise.
Chad Crowe, Deputy Director of The Governor’s Council on Disability (Indianapolis)
Chad Crowe currently serves as the deputy director of the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities where he oversees program administration and leads the agency’s strategic initiatives. Prior to serving in his current role, Chad served in a leadership position with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education where he managed the operations of Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars Program. Before entering the public sector, he worked extensively in the nonprofit and governmental relations field. Chad received his juris doctorate from the Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis and is a proud University of Southern Indiana alumnus.
Michele Fanfair-Steury, RedBird Studio at Cardinal Services, Inc. (Warsaw)
Bio coming soon.
Kris Johnson , Director of the Indiana Deaf History Museum (Indianapolis)
Kris Johnson is the director of the Indiana Deaf History Museum located at the Indiana School for the Deaf in Indianapolis. Originally from CT, Kris relocated here in 2011 to pursue a Master's degree. In 2013, she received her M.A. in Museum Studies from IUPUI. Her specialization is accessibility and inclusive practices for museums and arts organizations. Kris is also on the advising committee for the Indiana Disability History Project, and often participates on panels or as an individual presenter at museum conferences.
Brian Norton, Director of Assistive Technology, INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads (Indianapolis)
Brian began his career at Easterseals Crossroads in 1997, and currently serves as the Director of Assistive Technology. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Clinical Assistive Technology and the INDATA Project, a federally funded statewide assistive technology program for the agency. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Anderson University and is a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist (CEAS). He hosts a podcast and radio show called “ATFAQ – Assistive Technology Frequently Asked Questions” and is well known for his creative application of technology in the areas of job- and education-related accommodations.
Cindy Somers, Freelance Accessibility Consultant (Bloomington)
Cindy is interested in assisting organizations, particularly centers of non-formal and informal education such as parks, zoos, and museums, better accomplish their goals and meet the needs of their constituents. In her current role at the National Center on Accessibility, she is focused on working with park and recreation agencies to better integrate and serve the needs of the 57 million U.S. citizens with disabilities so these individuals have equal access to the physical, psychological, cognitive, and emotional benefits these entities and environments provide. Cindy also is an established professional in both non-formal education and program evaluation and has worked with numerous governmental and nonprofit organizations in a variety of roles. She has a BA in zoology from Ohio Wesleyan University, an MS in Natural Resources (environmental education and interpretation) from Ohio State University, and graduate-level training in social science research and program evaluation. Cindy has a particular passion for exhibit design and programmatic accessibility as it allows her to apply the full range of her training and experience in education, evaluation, and accessibility.
Chris Spinks, Independent Living Director Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living (Mitchell)
Bio coming soon.
Karin Willison, Professional Writer, Editor, and Blogger (Bloomington)
I have a BA in English from Stanford University and MA in Psychology from Antioch University. I've spent my career as an editor, writer, web designer, PR and marketing professional for various individuals and companies, primarily in the disability and/or arts fields. I'm currently Disability Editor at T he Mighty, a popular website where people share their personal experiences with disability, disease, and mental illness.