Call for LEAD Session Proposals

The Office of Accessibility and VSA invites proposals for the 2027 LEAD® Conference that approach accessibility from a human-centered and rights-based perspective; offer practical insights addressing current trends and emerging opportunities in the field; actively engage participants through discussion and/or hands-on activities; explore accessibility for a variety of cultural and arts organizations, including performing arts centers, museums, theaters, state arts agencies, parks, zoos, and arenas; and are designed for new, mid-career, and/or seasoned professionals.

Deadline: Proposals are due December 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern. 

If you have any questions, would like to request proposal materials in a different format, or to discuss your proposal, please contact the Office of Accessibility and VSA at 202-416-8727 or LEAD@Kennedy-Center.org.

Notifications about proposal submissions will be sent out in the Spring of 2027.

Important Information: Start Here

Capacity Building Workshops (4 or 8 hours) will take place on Tuesday, August 17, 2027.

The concurrent sessions of the main LEAD conference will take place on Wednesday, August 18 through Friday, August 20, 2027. 

  • Proposals are invited for both Capacity Building Workshops and concurrent sessions.
  • ED@LEAD will be a track in the main LEAD conference this year! (For more, see the New This Year section below.)
  • Prospective presenters may submit up to three proposals.
  • Incomplete proposals and proposals received after the deadline will not be considered.
  • Sessions will be selected by and at the sole discretion of the Office of Accessibility and VSA with the guidance and recommendations of the LEAD 2027 Proposal Review Committee.
  • Proposers who have sessions accepted will receive one free day to the main conference with access to concurrent sessions on August 18-20, 2027. Rates will be announced soon. 
  • All presenters should be prepared to cover travel and hotel expenses, meal costs, and applicable conference fees.
  • More information about proposals and additional resources are included below.

Resources for Developing a Proposal

This page includes tips to consider while crafting proposals and some frequently asked questions. Use these quick links to navigate to the sections that follow.

What LEAD Attendees Want

Here are the top requests made directly by past LEAD attendees. They want to: 

  • Gain practical tips, skills, and approaches that they can adapt for their own organizations and put to use right away.
  • Go beyond compliance to create flexible and welcoming environments and experiences that recognize diverse needs, preferences, and lived experiences.
  • Explore innovative approaches to accessibility and inclusion in cultural arts settings.
  • Connect with colleagues and experts while collecting resources for ongoing learning.
  • Develop strategies for long-term organizational commitment to access and inclusion.
  • Delve into complex topics and explore perspectives.
  • Move the field of arts and cultural accessibility forward.

General Tips for Your Proposal

  • Disability representation is critical. Tell us how the voice of the community is active in or has informed your presentation.  
  • Don’t worry about splashy or catchy language – it’s OK to be practical! Clarity and simplicity are more accessible and engaging for everyone.
  • Make sure you complete the whole form. Remember to fill in all required fields.  
  • There’s no need for the proposal to be polished or formal. Your topic and plan should be clear, but you can use bullet points or phrases to share them. If you don’t know who your other presenters might be, tell us who you have invited or plan to invite. 
  • The format you choose for your session can help you shape your plan and how you think about engagement.  
  • Audience engagement and interactivity are required for LEAD sessions - and make sessions more inclusive! Engagement can take many forms: small or large-group discussions, robust Q&A sessions, hands-on activities, etc. Consider how the session participants will have an opportunity to apply what they are learning! Interactivity expectations for the different session formats are listed below.
  • Review before you submit! Check for consistency and clarity across all of your responses.

New This Year!

1. Proposal system

We're using a new system for gathering proposals this year. 

Emails with information will now come from "Kennedy Center Applications," and the application format will look a little different. 

We hope the updated layout is clearer and easier to navigate, but if you have any issues, of course, be in touch. 

 

2. Foundations of Access and Beyond the Basics Tracks

We're also inviting presenters to let us know if they might be interested in co-leading one of the Foundations of Access or Beyond the Basics track sessions.

Foundations of Access sessions cover the basics on a wide range of topics: deaf and hard of hearing, introduction to accessibility law, neurodiversity, the physical environment, programming for people with dementia, blind and low vision, digital, and planning and implementation.

Beyond the Basics takes a closer look at advanced topics related to each of those areas.

Prior attendence to a LEAD conference and knowledge of LEAD culture and material is necessary to apply. 

Expressing interest does not guarantee acceptance. Please explain the perspectives and ideas you would bring to a Foundations or Beyond the Basics session in full in your proposal.

 

3. ED@LEAD is back!

ED@LEAD will now be offered as a track within the main LEAD conference! 

That means you'll use this form to submit proposals for LEAD and ED@LEAD. (In the past, ED@LEAD was held the day before the main LEAD conference.)

ED@LEAD sessions bring together professionals in the intersecting fields of general education, arts education, special education, and teaching artistry to invigorate their practice by sharing and learning together.

These sessions are interactive and hands-on, providing practical instructional strategies, tips, and techniques that can be applied immediately in all educational settings to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities in and through the arts.

 

The Proposal

Once you click into the system to submit your proposal, there are four main sections:

  1. Main Proposal Contact Info (required)
  2. Session Information (required)
  3. Presenter(s) Contact Info and Biographies (required)
  4. Presenter Photos (optional)

1. Main Proposal Contact Info

Enter contact information for the proposal point of contact. In other words, this is the person who should be notified about the status of the proposal.

If the main point of contact is not on staff at an arts organization, at least one co-presenter must be from an arts organization. 

2. Session Information

Session Title

  • Fill in the title of your proposed session. Make sure it captures what you plan to address.  
  • Titles have a limit of 100 characters.

Session Formats

You'll choose the session format from the list below that best suits your topic:

Panel (75 minutes)

  • About 60 minutes of presentation and 15 minutes of conversation, exchange, and/or Q&A.
  • These concurrent sessions must include multiple presenters offering a range of perspectives on or approaches to a single topic, and they must provide practical tips, tools, and resources attendees can use to start or improve initiatives, programs, or services. 
  • Tips for Panels:
    • Clearly describe the perspectives each panelist brings and how they come together to help participants learn what you want them to learn. 
    • Include how you will engage the attendees. 

Access Lab (75 minutes)

  • These concurrent sessions begin with a 10-15 minute introduction to an activity and about 60-65 minutes of hands-on practice. 
  • These highly interactive sessions teach attendees tangible skills. Presenters must devote a significant amount of session time to activities that allow attendees to practice and refine the skills introduced during the session.
  • Tip for Access Labs:
    • Clearly explain how you plan to take the attendees through learning or developing a new skill.  

Think Tank (75 minutes)

  • These concurrent sessions start with about 15 minutes to present or introduce a topic, followed by about 60 minutes of guided, interactive conversation and exchange. 
  • Think Tanks must be led by at least one moderator who introduces the topic and facilitates the ensuing conversation with session participants. 
  • Tips for Think Tanks:
    • You already know you'll be leading a discussion with this format. Share questions you'll use to demonstrate how you will frame the topic and your strategies for prompting and facilitating a discussion.
    • Include how you will wrap up the conversation. How will you pull threads together for everyone?  

ED@LEAD Track (75 minutes)

  • Sessions in the ED@LEAD Track will focus on interactive, hands-on activities geared toward those working in general education, art education, or special education.
  • Presenters should share practical instructional strategies, tips, and techniques that can be used immediately in PreK-12 settings.

Foundations of Access (75 minutes)

  • Foundations of Access sessions cover the basics on a wide range of topics: deaf and hard of hearing, introduction to accessibility law, neurodiversity, the physical environment, programming for people with dementia, blind and low vision, digital, planning and implementation, and anything else you might like to propose.
  • Prior attendance at a LEAD conference and knowledge of LEAD culture and material is necessary to apply.

Beyond the Basics (75 minutes)

  • Beyond the Basics sessions cover advanced topics on a wide range of topics: deaf and hard of hearing, introduction to accessibility law, neurodiversity, the physical environment, programming for people with dementia, blind and low vision, digital, planning and implementation, and anything else you might like to propose.
  • Prior attendance at a LEAD conference and knowledge of LEAD culture and material is necessary to apply.

Lightning Talk (15 minutes each)

  • Three 15-minute Lightning Talks will be offered during each 75-minute concurrent session block. 
  • Each Lightning Talk is a focused presentation by one presenter about a specific topic or compelling idea. 
  • Each 15-minute presentation is followed by 5 minutes of Q&A.
  • Tips for Lightning Talks:
    • Consider the scope of your topic and how to make the most of the 15 minutes. It can be trickier than expected to cover all the things you want in a short time. 
    • It’s OK if you don’t build audience engagement into your Lightning Talk. The agenda automatically includes time for Q&A after each.

Capacity Building Workshop & ED@LEAD Capacity Building Workshops (4 or 8 hours)

  • These professional development workshops will take place for half or a full day on Tuesday, August 17, 2027, before the concurrent sessions begin on Wednesday, August 18, 2027. 
  • Each Capacity Building Workshop is an in-depth exploration of a topic or set of topics related to LEAD or the PreK-12 educational setting.
  • Attendees can register for Capacity Building Workshops on their own or add them to their whole LEAD conference experience!

Short Description

You'll provide a short description of your session as you would like it to appear in the conference program. Remember: prioritize clarity!

What will attendees learn during your session?

  • Be clear. Use simple language and directly state your objectives so reviewers and attendees know right away what they'd get from your session.
  • This question has a limit of 500 characters.

With as much detail as possible, tell us how you'd achieve the objectives stated above.

  • Explain clearly how you would use session time, what overarching points you'd cover, and how you'd organize the information.
  • Let us know how you would ensure that participants will take away actionable skills or ideas.
  • If you haven't confirmed co-presenters, you can use the space to describe what perspectives you plan to or want to add and why.
  • This question has a limit of 3,000 characters.

How are the perspectives of disability communities represented directly and/or indirectly?

  • Representation is essential. Use this space to demonstrate how the perspectives of those with lived experience are a part of the session.
  • This question has a limit of 1,000 characters.

How will you engage participants in interactive learning?

  • Please refer to the concurrent session type definitions above for engagement expectations.
  • Describe how the session would be interactive and when participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, apply what they are learning, or discuss concepts shared.
  • This question has a limit of 3.000 characters.

What resources would you share with attendees to further explore this topic and continue their learning after the session?

  • These can be online resources, books, organizational websites, an individual (with their prior permission, of course), or other material.
  • This question has a limit of 1,000 characters.

Choose a Content Tag

Choose the option that best matches your session content. 

  • Building Buy-in: Examines methods for cultivating support for accessibility programs and initiatives within an organization, with partners and stakeholders, and/or across a community.   
  • Built Environment: Focuses on physical accessibility for renovations, new construction, and retrofits.  
  • Customer Service and Staff Training: Examines staff and volunteer education and awareness; managing guest requests, complaints, and concerns.   
  • ED@LEAD: Geared toward practical strategies for teaching and engaging students with disabilities with art in PreK-12 settings.
  • Employment: Explores best practices of inclusive hiring and enhances capacity to hire, retain, and support employees with disabilities.
  • Evaluation and Research: Addresses strategies for evaluating program and experience efficacy and impact and explores evidence-based practices.  
  • Laws and Regulations: Addresses accessibility guidelines, regulations and legal requirements impacting cultural arts.  
  • Outreach and Community Engagement: Explores meaningful and effective ways to connect with, involve, cultivate, and welcome the diverse community of people with disabilities.  
  • Planning and Policy: Focuses on planning to identify, prioritize, grow and sustain accessibility efforts, and develop and implement policy.   
  • Technology: Explores digital strategies and devices designed to improve accessibility.  
  • Universal Design: Focuses on the implementation of universal design principles in all aspects of cultural arts settings.   
  • Accessibility Services and Programs: Addresses design and implementation of inclusive or community-specific programs, accommodations, or services.  

Experience Level

What level of knowledge or experience would it be useful for attendees to have? 

  • Beginner: An entry-level session for someone who is new to accessibility in general or in this specific area. 
  • Intermediate: A session for individuals who have an understanding of accessibility basics. 
  • Advanced: A session for individuals with extensive experience in all areas of accessibility or with this particular topic. 

Identify Your Primary Audience

This question helps reviewers understand who your intended audience is.  You can select one or more from the following list:

  • Theater/Performing Arts
  • Art and History Museums
  • Science and Children's Museums
  • Zoos and Aquariums
  • Parks and Gardens
  • Local, Regional, State, or Federal Arts Councils or Agencies
  • Arts Service Organizations
  • PreK-12 Education

Other Information - optional

  • There will be a space for you to share information with reviewers that may not fit in any other field. 
  • This question has a limit of 1,000 characters.

3. Presenter(s) Contact Info and Biographies

Enter contact information for all presenters. Each biography should include information demonstrating qualifications to present on the proposed topic.

If you are not on staff at an arts organization, you must have one or more co-presenter(s) from an arts organization. 

Each session may have up to 4 presenters except Lightning Talks, which are limited to one presenter.

Each biography has a limit of 2,000 characters.

4. Presenter(s) Photos

This task is optional. 

Specifications for images of presenters:

  • Files must be JPEG, JPG, PNG, or GIF 
  • Limited to 2 MB and 300 x 300 pixels
  • Must include alt text for each image

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a limit to the number of proposals you can submit?  

A: Yes. You can submit up to 3 different proposals. 

Q: What topics are you hoping to get proposals on? Do you have a sense of what people are looking for specifically this year? 

A:

  • Space for connection – an opportunity to talk, discuss, and share with others doing this work.
  • Staff training.
  • Employment of people with disabilities. 
  • Inclusion in various environments – in-person, virtual, and hybrid.
  • Self-Care and capacity - so many people are now working with reduced teams or doing the work done previously by multiple staff members. 
  • Sustainability - ensuring access programs continue during times of staff transition.
  • Inclusion of people with invisible disabilities.
  • Everything and anything related to funding.
  • Pragmatic approaches to implementing access plans.
  • Creative aging approaches, strategies, and inclusion.
  • Inclusive education practice in community settings.

Q: Doesn't the LEAD team usually curate the Foundations of Access and Beyond the Basics tracks?

A:

Yes, but we'd love to hear from you if you're interested in being involved! 

Q: What will reviewers be looking for in session proposals?

A:

1. Representation. Direct or indirect representation from the communities of people with disabilities is essential.

2. Practical information presented in a way that can be adapted to other settings.  Sessions should focus on the "how" and "why" of the topic work rather than a simple case study of "what" they did.

3. Engagement. Our participants want to have opportunities to discuss or practice what they are learning to understand how it can be adapted for their own organization.

4. Alignment. Sessions that achieve what is outlined in their description.

Q: Is it OK to list some speakers as "To Be Announced" if we don’t have everyone confirmed?

A: Yes, as long as there's one person on the proposal who will be part of that session. There's going to be flexibility built into this process. We know that things change so don't stress. We also find that sometimes people reach out looking for connections to other presenters. We're happy to make connections!

Q: Who comes to LEAD?

A: LEAD provides professional development for staff people working in the cultural arts organizations - most often in roles such as: 

  • Accessibility managers and coordinators 
  • Box office and house managers 
  • Outreach and education coordinators 
  • Managers of studio and performing arts programs housed in cultural institutions 
  • Patrons and visitor services managers 
  • Facilities and operations managers 
  • Exhibition designers 
  • Local, regional, state, and federal government ADA/504 coordinators 
  • Marketing and audience development directors 
  • State arts commission/council accessibility coordinators 

Q: Are the people who come to the conference already practicing in this space, or are they interested in beginning that practice? 

A: All of the above! The whole premise of the LEAD conference is to move accessibility in the cultural sector forward. It’s very much about sharing information, sharing tips, asking questions, and getting feedback. There are people who come to the LEAD conference who have been assigned this work in their organization or who take it on themselves because they see a real need for it. Some are starting from scratch and others have been coming to the LEAD conference for years or have a lot of experience in this work. 

It’s also important to recognize that there are always things to learn and often, there are multiple approaches rather than one "right" answer.

Q: Is there a place on the proposal form to indicate who you are gearing your presentation to in terms of content and experience?

A: Yes. There are places to indicate the audiences you're targeting, attendees' levels of experience, and the kind of organization in which they work. 

Q: What should I do if I’m not sure which format will work best? Should I submit my proposal in multiple categories? 

A: There's no need to submit the same proposal in multiple categories. If the reviewing team thinks it's a great proposal but it might work better in a different format, someone would get back to you to discuss. 

Additionally, if your proposal is accepted and you want to change the format at some point in the planning process, we’re happy to talk with you about it.

We do want to emphasize how important it is to think about diverse audiences of learners and how you plan to engage everyone. The interactive piece is critical no matter which format you choose. Hands-on interactive elements, or other ways to engage people in your session, are generally more inclusive approaches. 

Q: Can my proposal be a case study? 

A: If the case study presents information or resources in a way that can be easily used by cultural institutions, then yes. The transferable information should be at the center of the presentation rather than focusing on specific details about the study itself.  Consider focusing on the process - the "how" and "why." Where were the decision points, what was considered, and why decisions were made? How can someone else replicate or adapt what you did?

Q: We would like to submit a proposal but are worried that not enough people will attend. We are a small organization. How can we make our proposal appeal to a broader audience?

A:  There are multiple options here. You could reach out to other types and sizes of organizations who may be able to speak to your topic and see if they can join you in a panel. You could also look at your proposal and create opportunities for people to engage in a way that allows them to scale up or adapt the information you are presenting for their own situation. 

Q: Do I have to include information about the ADA in my proposal?

A:  Not at all. The majority of content at LEAD doesn't focus on compliance - it's about best and better practices. However, if your proposed session assumes that attendees already have met and understand basic accessibility requirements, that would be worth including as a part of your proposal. 

Q: I have an idea for a panel, but need some help with suggestions for some of the panelists. Is that something LEAD staff can help with?

A:  Yes, we would be happy to connect you with others in the field. Contact us at LEAD@Kennedy-Center.org or 202-416-8727.

Still have questions?

Contact our team at 202-416-8727 or LEAD@Kennedy-Center.org!

Ready to get started?