Artists, cultural organizations and disability‑access groups told the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities that the Accessibility and the Creative Economy Act (H.224 / S.160) is needed to remove longstanding physical and programmatic barriers across Massachusetts’ arts sector.

Supporters said the bill would establish a dedicated accessibility fund and a review board to prioritize grants for capital improvements, access services and training that cultural organizations cannot otherwise afford.

Margaret Keller, executive director of Community Access to the Arts, described routine barriers: reserved accessible parking filling, lack of braille or large‑print programs, no assisted listening devices, or staff unaware of neurodiversity accommodations. “Imagine a van full of artists with developmental disabilities who have made painstaking plans to attend a performance … and then imagine them arriving at the theater to find that the accessible parking spots are all full,” Keller said.

Witnesses cited research and statewide surveys in support of the bill. Nicole LaGois of Open Door Arts summarized research showing wide variance in organizational access and that funding is the most frequently cited barrier to improvements; she said a separate survey of cultural organizations reported an estimated $2.6 billion in needed accessibility‑related capital improvements over the next three years. Emily Reddick of Mass Creative said the creative sector contributes roughly $28.6 billion to the Commonwealth’s economy and supports about 130,000 jobs, and that making the sector accessible is both an equity and economic priority.

Institutions described their own investments and constraints. A.J. Trentona, deputy director at Jacob’s Pillow, said the landmark site has invested more than $40 million in recent accessibility projects—new pathways, theater renovations, accessible stages and transportation—but that historic campuses face high, ongoing costs to meet broader access needs.

Smaller organizations described fundraising challenges for necessary retrofits. Adria Katz of the Multicultural Arts Center said her 140‑year‑old building and programming require upgrades—accessible backstage, dressing rooms and tech booths—that have taken years and private fundraising to accomplish. Karen Krolak of Monkey House and leaders from regional centers described how inaccessible venues limit participation for artists, older adults, and families whose members need lifts or assisted access.

Supporters urged the committee to report the ACE Act favorably and to provide an initial appropriation so that small and historic institutions are not excluded from access improvements by cost alone. No committee action was taken at the hearing; sponsors and witnesses will submit written testimony for the record.