Our Story
Barrier-Free began with a desire to do and be better for our community. A desire to provide high-quality programming for adults with disabilities - built on the values of respect, transparency, and equity. A desire to take the inclusive theater model to a new level of excellence. A desire for change.
After years spent working for a variety of disability organizations in Maryland, Britt and Lauren noticed common "loose" threads in the inter-workings of these organizations. Threads that caused unraveling and discord, making it harder to carry out the intended work, mission, and programming originally promised.
In 2017, Britt and Lauren decided to be agents for change and independently founded Barrier-Free. Using their wealth of experience, established relationships, and a hint of luck, they were able to successfully establish two Inclusive Theater Companies where individuals with varying abilities could come together to create, express, and achieve.
It wasn't always easy, and those present in the early days of Barrier-Free may recall having their ticket-sale change being made out of a plastic purple bucket. Yet, actors and families came back season-after-season, believing in the joy and quality of the programming, and often, bringing friends into the Barrier-Free family.
Two years later, in 2019, Barrier-Free underwent a "makeover" with it's incorporation into an official 501(c)(3) non-profit. Together Britt & Lauren revamped their website & social media presence, expanded their programming, fostered new community partnerships, onboarded new staff, and so much more. Barrier-Free finally began to look and feel like the premiere organization it had always been.
In 2021, Barrier-Free opened the doors to The Life Skills & Social Studio, a space for daily skill-based programming for neurodiverse adults. Located in the heart of Downtown Historic Sykesville, location was of paramount importance to ensure our participants were an integral, visible part of the community.
The Life Skills & Social Studio has allowed Barrier-Free to welcome over 50 new participants from 8 different counties across Maryland, expanding our reach and impact. The Studio has become a safe space where participants are encouraged to risks that allow to create, express, and achieve to their fullest potential.
For every person who has yearned to make an impact in their community. For every person who has longed for a truly inclusive environment. For every person who has seen the potential in an organization but felt helpless to make a change. For every person who has a desire to do and be better...
This is the place for you.
Welcome.*
After years spent working for a variety of disability organizations in Maryland, Britt and Lauren noticed common "loose" threads in the inter-workings of these organizations. Threads that caused unraveling and discord, making it harder to carry out the intended work, mission, and programming originally promised.
In 2017, Britt and Lauren decided to be agents for change and independently founded Barrier-Free. Using their wealth of experience, established relationships, and a hint of luck, they were able to successfully establish two Inclusive Theater Companies where individuals with varying abilities could come together to create, express, and achieve.
It wasn't always easy, and those present in the early days of Barrier-Free may recall having their ticket-sale change being made out of a plastic purple bucket. Yet, actors and families came back season-after-season, believing in the joy and quality of the programming, and often, bringing friends into the Barrier-Free family.
Two years later, in 2019, Barrier-Free underwent a "makeover" with it's incorporation into an official 501(c)(3) non-profit. Together Britt & Lauren revamped their website & social media presence, expanded their programming, fostered new community partnerships, onboarded new staff, and so much more. Barrier-Free finally began to look and feel like the premiere organization it had always been.
In 2021, Barrier-Free opened the doors to The Life Skills & Social Studio, a space for daily skill-based programming for neurodiverse adults. Located in the heart of Downtown Historic Sykesville, location was of paramount importance to ensure our participants were an integral, visible part of the community.
The Life Skills & Social Studio has allowed Barrier-Free to welcome over 50 new participants from 8 different counties across Maryland, expanding our reach and impact. The Studio has become a safe space where participants are encouraged to risks that allow to create, express, and achieve to their fullest potential.
For every person who has yearned to make an impact in their community. For every person who has longed for a truly inclusive environment. For every person who has seen the potential in an organization but felt helpless to make a change. For every person who has a desire to do and be better...
This is the place for you.
Welcome.*
*You may need a purple bucket.
Core Values
Our core values are the fundamental beliefs and principles upheld within our organization. These values guide our every interaction, and decision made at Barrier-Free.
RespectWe welcome each individual's unique talents, personality, and diverse background. We come together to encourage, support, and value one another in a collective and creative environment. We uplift one another and value human dignity. |
TransparencyWe produce our programming with the highest ethical standards and integrity. At Barrier-Free we are transparent, honest, and consistent in our communication and decisions as we understand how each action we take impacts all those connected to Barrier-Free. We are committed to full transparency and welcome feedback - even when it's tough. |
EquityWe embrace the varying abilities that make up the Barrier-Free family. We understand and value that each actor has distinctive needs and strive to provide differentiated supports. Our programs are designed with equity in mind to incorporate our actors strengths and talents in an environment and group that meets their needs. |
CreativityNo idea is turned away at Barrier-Free. whether large, small, wacky, or anything in-between. Barrier-Free shows are one-of-a-kind and born from the ideas of our actors. Our inclusive theater companies, classes, and programs provide an environment where actors and participants are encouraged to be their most creative, unique selves. We welcome it all at Barrier-Free! |
Core Values in Action
Meet the team that brings our Core Values to life across all of our Inclusive programming.
