December 4, 2025
Learning to Change highlights urgent need for Accessible Performing Arts Education
Yesterday, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we launched Learning to Change — a new report examining accessibility in higher education performing arts institutions across Creative Europe countries and the UK.
Produced within Europe Beyond Access, authored by On the Move and commissioned by Skånes Dansteater with the support of the British Council, the report draws on surveys, interviews, focus groups and desk research to reveal persistent barriers preventing disabled people from entering and thriving in performing arts education.
Key Insights
The report shows a significant gap between institutions’ commitments and lived reality. Many entry processes, buildings and communications remain inaccessible, and no aspect of the student experience was rated above 5.87/10 by disabled respondents. Only 41% of surveyed institutions adapt entry tests, and just 27% provide information in accessible formats.
These barriers have long-term consequences: disabled artists who were able to access higher education are twice as likely to have participated in 15 or more professional productions compared to those who could not. Exclusion at the training stage directly limits diversity across the wider performing arts ecosystem.
While some institutions are taking steps to improve accessibility through flexible entry requirements, dedicated staff and partnerships with specialised organisations, the report concludes that systemic change — not ad-hoc adaptations — is needed.
Accessibility must be recognised as a fundamental part of artistic diversity, not an exception.
Read the Full Report
Learning to Change offers practical recommendations for education providers, cultural organisations and public authorities.
The report is written in English.
The Executive Summary is also available in different languages and accessible versions:
International Sign Language
English: English Easy-To-Read, English Audio File
Spanish: Written Spanish, Spanish Audio File, Spanish Easy-To-Read, Spanish Sign Language
German: German, German Audio File, German Easy-To-Read, German Sign Language
French: French, French Audio File, French Easy-To-Read, French Sign Language
Portuguese: Portuguese, Portuguese Audio File
The full report is now available here:
Did you miss the online presentation? Here is the complete recording of the launch event!