COVID-19 Questions
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Ashley Adams, MentorAshley Adams (she/her) is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication, from the University of South Carolina and earned her Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, from American University. She currently works as a Program Manager for a Marketing Group. Ashley was first introduced to Theater in middle school while taking a drama course as an elective. She honed a new skill of acting and fell in love with the creativity of theater and her ability to easily memorize lines. Throughout her 15-year theater experience, she has performed in numerous plays, has developed various acting techniques, learned to engage an audience, and has served as President of many drama clubs. In her free time, she enjoys shopping and cuddling with her 14-year-old pet son, 'Boo Boo.'"
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Noel (they/them) is an undergraduate student at Montgomery College, currently studying theatre arts and communications. As an avid fan of theatre, they have participated in various stage performances over the past few years, one of their favorites being “Beauty and the Beast”, where they played Gaston. Noel started with Barrier-Free as an intern for the 2021 - 2022 Inclusive Theater season and has been promoted to Assistant Director for the 2022 - 2023 season! When not at Barrier-Free, Noel likes to read, write, and listen to musicals. Noel is looking forward to another wonderful season with Inclusive Company B and is grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful organization!
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 take risks that allow neurodivergent adults 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 take risks that allow neurodivergent adults 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.*
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Emma Shipley Gribben, Assistant Director, Co. A & BEmma (she/her) is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) with a passion for using the performing arts to target and improve communication skills. She earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Deaf Studies in 2017 and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2019 both from Towson University. She is currently a Maryland state licensed clinician and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in speech-language pathology from the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association. Emma works full-time for Carroll County Public Schools at the high school level and part-time at SPEECH PATHways in Westminster. MD.
Emma is a self-described “theater nerd” and has participated in over 20 productions in the last ten years. She has worked with Special Olympics Maryland to pilot their first performing arts program titled “Plunge into Improv!”. She has also established a budding improvisational theater program for the special education students in the high school where she works in collaboration with the school’s drama teacher. Emma believes each individual has something unique to communicate to the world. If “all the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players,” what better place to hone our skills than through performance? Emma is so excited to be a part of the Barrier-Free team! |
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"This is my daughter Tanika’s 2nd season with Barrier-Free Theatre. I am truly amazed at the difference this program makes in her life. She has an intellectual disability and has difficulty participating in many activities. Since she began Barrier Free it’s like a whole new world was opened for her. Socially she has progressed in amazing ways. Britt and Lauren have made it possible for our young people to shine in their own special ways. As a parent I can not begin to thank them for what they have done for our young adults. Also, I have been given the honor of participating with then in this year’s performance. It’s and incredible experience, one that has helped me understand the reason our young people love this program with such passion." |
Giving Tuesday occurs the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It is touted as a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world."
This year, consider making a donation to Barrier-Free to support our mission of inclusivity.
You can also support Barrier-Free by hosting a personal Giving Tuesday Facebook Fundraiser! PLAN AHEAD - On Tuesday, November 30 Facebook will be matching the first $8 million in donations made via their social network!
This year, consider making a donation to Barrier-Free to support our mission of inclusivity.
You can also support Barrier-Free by hosting a personal Giving Tuesday Facebook Fundraiser! PLAN AHEAD - On Tuesday, November 30 Facebook will be matching the first $8 million in donations made via their social network!
Our Roots
Sally BaileyThe Barrier-Free Theatre Model was founded by Sally Bailey, RDT/BCT, MSW, MFA, & Professor at Kansas State University, and is used with extensive training and permission.
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Barrier- Free Theatre: Including Everyone in Theater Arts available for purchase via Amazon.
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The purpose of the Barrier-Free's Studio is to further expand on our mission by using integrated arts to facilitate social opportunities and life skills development.
Details:
- Adults (18+) with intellectual/developmental disabilities & autism
- Thursdays 6:30 - 7:30 pm
- March 4 - 25 (4 weeks)
- Tuition: $30
- Class held via Zoom
- Teaching Artist: Emma Shipley
- Assistant Teaching Artist: Michael Eaton
Due to COVID-19 and it’s impact on our community, Barrier-Free is providing additional flexibility in class registration.
Payment Options
Funding Options
- If at any time leading up to the start of class, any actors or families would prefer to cancel their registration, we will offer a 100% money-back guarantee.
- If at any time during the class, an actor’s health impacts their ability to attend and/or engage in class sessions, Barrier-Free will offer a pro-rated refund based on the number of class sessions remaining.
- Not sure if this class is for you? We are offering a 2 week trial period! Step 1: Register for the full class and pay the tuition. Step 2: Attend the first 2 weeks of classes. Step 3: If you are not fully satisfied after 2 weeks, contact us directly and we will issue you a FULL refund, no questions asked.
Payment Options
- Pay in full via online credit card payment when registering.
- Pay via mailed check to 23219 Stringtown Rd. #373 Clarksburg, MD 20871. Check must be received prior to the start of class.
- Cash payments not accepted
Funding Options
- Barrier-Free services are eligible for a variety of funding types including Autism Waiver, DDA -Self-Direct, LISS, and others.
- Please contact us directly to coordinate funding opportunities, request invoices, or other funding matters.
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How to Apply
With the subject line, “____________ Position”, email your cover letter detailing your qualifications along with your resume to info@BarrierFreeMD.com.
OR
Apply via Barrier-Free's Indeed job postings.
If you have questions regarding the application process, or the position, please email info@BarrierFreeMD.com.
OR
Apply via Barrier-Free's Indeed job postings.
If you have questions regarding the application process, or the position, please email info@BarrierFreeMD.com.
Don't see a job that fits?
Still interested in working for Barrier-Free but don't see a job opening that fits your qualifications?
Email your cover letter and resume best outlining your qualifications to info@barrierfreemd.com to see if there is an opportunity that may work for you.
We will keep your resume on-hand for future job openings.
Email your cover letter and resume best outlining your qualifications to info@barrierfreemd.com to see if there is an opportunity that may work for you.
We will keep your resume on-hand for future job openings.
