All-Abilities Open Mic Karaoke Events
“Inclusion is not bringing people into what already exists; it is making a new space, a better space for everyone.”
Foundation for Accessible Music, in partnership with Integrated Therapy of Northern Colorado is proud to introduce an All-Abilities Open Mic Karaoke Nights, designed to create an inclusive and engaging musical experience for all ages and all abilities in the community. In collaboration with local businesses and venues, Board-Certified Music Therapists facilitate these events, providing an accessible and welcoming space for individuals of all communication styles to participate and connect through music.
By fostering an inclusive environment, ITNC aims to enhance community connections and provide meaningful, accessible, and engaging musical experiences for all.
-George Dei, Anthropologist
To ensure a seamless and accessible experience, staff work closely with venues and support teams to provide accommodations, training, and participant support with:
A visual songbook for easy song selection
On-screen lyrics, if needed, along with background vocal support if preferred
Multiple styles of microphones, so everyone has the opportunity to rock!
The ability to adjust key and tempo to accommodate individual needs
Live musical accompaniment for those who prefer or require it
Adaptive communication supports, including switches, buttons, and other assistive technologies
Support, if needed, by a music therapist to isolate output to single words/vocalizations, to support voices of ALL abilities.
Open to all communication styles, welcoming AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) users and those who use sign language.
Designated quiet areas with sensory items, near the event space to meet self-regulation needs, but still be included.
A positive, collaborative, and accessible event to come exactly as you are and be celebrated!
In addition to making the venue as accessible as possible and providing supports and accommodations to help all participants be successful, Foundation for Accessible Music uses these opportunities to support businesses and organizations in the community feel confident in engaging with the disability community in a positive way. This includes:
Providing venue staff and leadership with resources and training materials around topics like:
Supporting non-speaking communication styles (AAC, visual communicators, and more)
Presuming competence and maintaining age-appropriate interactions
Supporting individuals with various sensory, self-regulation needs/behaviors
…and more (coming soon)
Developing visual choice bar/barista/food menus for permanent placement at the venue
Developing accessibility site maps for accessible events with parking, routes, and utilities (as able)
Inclusion is not a strategy to help people fit into the systems and structures which exist in our societies; it is about transforming those systems and structures to make it better for everyone."
— Diane Richler, Inclusion International