LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE IN ARTS AND DISABILITIES CONFERENCE (LEAD)

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Every year the Kennedy Center's Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD(r)) conference brings experienced and new professionals together to explore practical methods for implementing accessibility in cultural environments. VSA Texas and Texas Commission on the Arts is co-spnsoring the LEAD Conference presented by the Kennedy Center, here in Austin. This conference will take place at the JW Marriott, Carver Library and the Long Center. I have many shifts to fill during this conference and you will have access to the sessions. Contact Lynn Johnson for shift times, usually from 7:30am - 1:00pm and 1:00pm - 6:00pm. 512-454-9912 or email lynn@vsatx.org. visit www.vsatx.org.

Registration:

There need to be at least 2 people at the registration table at all times. During particularly busy times when a lot of people will be coming by, someone from the Kennedy Center will be available to help answer questions and handle changes to registration, collect payments, etc.

Volunteers may be asked to:

• Hand out materials and name tags
• Answer general questions (How do I get a taxi? Where is this session? Where is the bathroom? What restaurants around here are good?)
• Check names off of the list
• This position can be a little dull after everyone has registered and they’re all in sessions. In the past I’ve asked the volunteers compile session evaluations or type up the flip chart notes. If you have people who would be comfortable with those kinds of tasks that would be great - but it’s not essential.
• If you have one computer-savvy volunteer at registration at any given point, we could train him/her on how to enter new registrations, make payments, etc. This is also not essential. Staff can follow up after the fact if necessary.

Sighted Guide : We are always in need of volunteers who feel comfortable serving as sighted guides to help any of our low vision or blind participants navigate from room to room.

Directional/Greeter:

Just a friendly face to give directions to the bathroom, session spaces, etc. This is particularly important when everyone is arriving for the first time.

Bus Volunteer:

These volunteers will help guide our conference attendees to the busses that will be taking them to the special events (Opening Night, Awards Night). If all the busses are occupied, volunteers will let other attendees know where to wait for the next bus.

Web Consult:

One volunteer to help Sharron Rush while she is doing consults. S/he can help manage the schedule and be there to run small errands if Sharron needs something.

Meal Assistance:

Volunteers who can assist participants with disabilities in the buffet line (carry plates, describe food options, etc.).