Link April 2017 | Page 54

travel open to all The world-famous Sydney Opera House will feature more than 70 accessible performances, workshops and experiences as part of its 2017 Access Program. at every possible opportunity Lifestart and the Royal Institute of to make the Opera House more Deaf & Blind Children. accessible – from programming to the building itself,” says Sydney Dance workshops by The Australian Opera House chief executive Ballet’s education team for children Louise Herron AM.  aged three to five, regardless of Underpinned by the Sydney Opera their physical ability, and Dance for House’s Access Strategic Plan 2016- “Since opening in 1973, the Opera Parkinson’s classes are also on the 18, the 2017 program is the venue’s House has played a significant program. biggest yet. Highlights include role in the life of this country. It an Australian Ballet Education belongs to us all and our Access The Opera House is also planning Access Residency, giving school- Program and Renewal works are to open up more of the building aged children with disabilities an vital to ensure it is accessible to to the public and improve access introduction to dance through everyone.” around the site for people with workshops and performance, and 52 mobility issues.  These essential AUSLAN, caption or sensory/ Another accessible initiative in works, which form part of Stage autism-friendly performances 2017 is the Sing & Play series – 1 Renewal of the Opera House, of several shows including Creature: accessible performances of include greater access to the An Adaptation of Dot and the children’s shows such as Music Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Kangaroo, Flying Fruit Fly Circus’ of the Forest, which will be Theatre, wheelchair accessible Junk, Music of the Forest, Horrible followed by Sing & Play sessions seating positions and new Harriet and 7 Stages of Grieving. where kids can experiment with Box Office and Foyer lifts and musical instruments. Led by music escalators. “As we renew the building for therapists, the sessions will be future generations we are looking presented in partnership with travel sydneyoperahouse.com linkonline.com.au