Cultural Access Network Project

• Accessible Events Calendar
• A History of the Cultural Access Network Project
• ADA Plan Submission Information
• Educational Opportunities for Organizations
• Loans, Referrals and Grants

The Cultural Access Network Project (CANP) was established in 1992 to assist all of New Jersey's cultural arts organizations in making their programs and facilities accessible to seniors and individuals with disabilities in order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  The Cultural Access Network Project committee is comprised of individuals with specific knowledge and expertise in areas relating to accessible programming and facilities.  All of the Cultural Access Network’s programs and services are made possible by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as other corporate, foundation and government partners.

The CANP serves as a role model program for other states to follow. The CANP was the recipient of the 2004 National Accessibility Leadership Award from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, National Endowment for the Arts and Coca-Cola. 

The Cultural Access Network Project (CANP) serves as a resource to the NJSCA in the review of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) plans.

The current outline standardizes and streamlines the process of preparing an organization’s ADA plan, which is required by all NJSCA grantees every 3 years.

The CANP offers workshops annually to assist cultural organizations in the development of their ADA Plans.

Information on workshops will be announced on the New Jersey Theatre Alliance website and in NJSCA email communications. If you have any questions, please call Robert Carr, Director of Programs & Services, New Jersey Theatre Alliance at 973-731-6582 x15.

If you are in the process of submitting your ADA plan, please refer to the ADA Planning Materials on this site.

Each year the CANP offers educational workshops and sensitivity training sessions for the state's cultural community.

Sensitivity Training

These sessions often include a panel of individuals with disabilities who provide guidance on how your organization can effectively communicate, offer assistance and provide a truly welcoming experience for all individuals attending your venue and participating in your activities. All staff members and volunteers are encouraged to attend, especially those that interact directly with the public (ushers, box office, concession personnel, docents, etc). 

ADA Planning

These workshops, offered throughout New Jersey, provide training and technical information to assist in the creation of a strong long-range ADA plan.  Topics include architectural assessment, the development of programs and services that provide inclusion of people with disabilities, development of accessible marketing publications, staff and board sensitivity training, and overview of ADA law.

Annual Cultural Access Network Awards

Each Spring, CANP hosts a series of workshops followed by an awards luncheon recognizing organizations and individuals who are providing role model programs and services for people with disabilities.

Loans

CANP loans equipment to organizations to assist them in offering listening enhancement services and audio description.

Referrals

CANP can refer organizations to sign interpreters, theatrical intrpreters, open captioning providers, audio describers, architiects, and human resource professionals.

Grants

Occasionally, CANP offers mini-grant opportunities to assist theatres and other cultural organizations in support of an access program or service.

If you have specific questions with regards to loans, referrals or grants, please contact Robert Carr, Director of Programs and Services at 973-731-6582 ext. 15.