helme house
old schoolhouse
Accessibility for All
SCAA is committed to making our historic buildings accessible to all.
By removing barriers, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy art and create alongside others in a safe, inclusive environment.
A Cultural Facilities Grant from RISCA enabled us to renovate our art-making spaces in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring greater accessibility for individuals with disabilities in our community.
Ensuring that more people can participate fully in creative life—regardless of ability.
RISCA GRANT $128,535
RISCA Grant: $128,535
Original Project Budget: $257,070
Final Project Cost: $240,867
Modifications included installation of wide doors, lever-style hardware, and four ADA-compliant sinks in the Paint Studio & Pottery Studio.
Installation of a specialized pottery wheel designed for users with disabilities and redesign of workspaces for inclusivity.
A new HVAC system that maintains a stable environment helping prevent moisture damage in our 267-year-old historic building
Construction of an ADA-compliant restroom and ramps at two entrances facilitating access for individuals with limited mobility.
paint studio classroom
“I am a woman in her 60’s with a neuromuscular disease that has left me unable to walk or stand, thus in a wheelchair. I greatly appreciate your studio’s accessibility! The entrance is well designed as there is no lip to bump up over, and the opening is sufficient even with a large bag of art supplies! The sink is appreciated, and the HVAC made the studio comfortable. I think the table height was perfect for a wheelchair as well.”
Kathleen – Drawing Student
The SCAA Pottery Studio is by far our busiest studio and has served our community for decades. A hive of activity, the studio welcomed 200 students and 80 pottery studio members this past year to create, learn, and connect.
pottery studio
“As a potter, when my hip restricted my movement at the wheel it really helped to have an ADA pottery wheel to raise up the wheel and make it comfortable enough to keep working. The aid was crucial to keep up my ceramic work.”
Jeanne – Pottery Studio Member
We asked longtime instructor Nancy Lyon to share how SCAA's newly accessible spaces have affected her teaching and her students.
Nancy Lyon - instructor
Has the new layout changed the way you teach?
The improved design layout in the pottery studio has a more open and welcoming feel to it. There is more space for people to work either in a group or on their own.
The upstairs studio offers a quieter and low-stimulus setting for those individuals who function better with fewer distractions; be that talking, high lighting or more people.
Providing various settings within the SCAA pottery building allows for attending to the needs of a wider variety of individuals.
Has the additional space around the wheels made demos or helping students easier?
Having more space definitely helps with hands-on instruction while people are at the wheel. As an instructor I also notice it helps people feel more comfortable, especially for individuals who are uncomfortable with close proximity. Which could be any of us at any given time.
Has the accessibility improvements made a difference for you or your students?
Knowing that we, as an organization, can accommodate people with a variety of different needs is a beautiful thing and I look forward to seeing more diversity within our organization.
Have you noticed any changes in the overall learning environment or sense of community?
There is definitely a sense of community and I have personally seen friendships begin and flourish within the classes and within the pottery studio.
SCAA Annual Report FY24/25
Browse our Annual Report online. To view fullscreen mode click the box icon top right corner. To flip pages click the arrow bottom right corner.
Or download a pdf below.
