Philadelphia, PA, October 26, 2009 --- As an arts town, Philadelphia is well known for its love of theatre and culture. Although most patrons rely on their sight to enjoy the shows, exhibits, and concerts, individuals who are blind or visually impaired rely on their love and appreciation of the arts when they attend. At Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ASB), clients are able to participate in an extracurricular group that brings the magic of the arts to life.

Conveniently titled the Trip Group, over 20 clients actively participate thanks to a partnership with Art Reach.

Art Reach is the only organization in the Delaware Valley region formed for the purpose of increasing access to the arts for traditionally underserved audiences such as people with disabilities.

Every year Art Reach provides art and cultural opportunities to over 150,000 people who otherwise would not have access to the arts. 

With this program, cultural organizations are able to reach out to underserved communities and diversify their audiences.

As part of the Trip Group, participating clients are offered discounted tickets to audio described performances at various theater venues in Philadelphia. In addition, clients are given offered the opportunity to attend exhibits at various museums and trips to the Philadelphia Zoo.

"This partnership has been a wonderful addition to the programs here at ASB," said Lynette Pawlak, ASB’s Client Services Project Specialist. "Clients will drop whatever plans they have if they have the opportunity to attend a show. They really look forward to each performance, and I think overall the program serves as an excellent cultural and social outing."

"Each trip has been nothing but enjoyable for all of us participants," said Kathy Willis, ASB client and Trip Group participant. "We feel so privileged to have the opportunity to enjoy such wonderful performances."

Thanks to this partnership, ASB’s clients have the ability to attend shows and not only hear what is going on but also have the images described to them through headsets.

"This program has enabled our clients to experience and appreciate the arts in Philadelphia," said Patricia C. Johnson, ASB President and CEO. "Many blind or visually impaired individuals often enough do not have the resources to participate in such events and we are so pleased to be able to provide them this opportunity."

Although clients are able to receive these tickets at a discounted rate (sometimes $1 to $3 at most per show), some clients are still unable to participate due to lack of supplemental income.

If you are interested in bringing the arts to someone who is blind or visually impaired, or would be interested in supporting this program, please contact Public Relations Officer Lauren Scarpa at 215.627.0600 x3242 or by emailing her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

With roots dating back to 1874, ASB has as its mission to promote self-esteem, independence, and self-determination in people who are blind or visually impaired. ASB provides a full spectrum of rehabilitation and life skills education from computer training to hands-on gardening, Latino outreach, and support groups. ASB also produces approximately eleven million pages of Braille per year. ASB is the largest non-profit organization in Southeastern Pennsylvania serving people who are blind and visually impaired.