Diane Kolin
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dianekolin.bsky.social
Diane Kolin
@dianekolin.bsky.social
41 followers 43 following 54 posts
Founder of ArtsAbly, MA, Musicologist, Singer, Senior Project Manager PMP®, PhD candidate in Musicology (ABD), Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility (RHFAC) Professional, Disability Rights Activist, RAMPD Pro artist.
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dianekolin.bsky.social
The subway was empty this morning and I started my 9:30 class late to welcome people stuck in snow. Fugue, counterpoint and basso continuo on the program. Back to normal Canadian winter life on York University campus 🎶
A picture of the empty subway train and a window outside with we can see trees covered with snow. A Canadian flag on York University campus, on the main square covered with snow and trees with fall colour leaves. Another view of the main square covered with snow, with more colourful trees. My auditorium classroom, empty since the picture was taken before students entered the room. There is a piano on the front left part.
November 11, 2025 at 5:13 PM
dianekolin.bsky.social
Finally back from AMS. The plane was three hours late but nothing to do with the US situation 😅 Home sweet home (under snow)! Brrrr it’s cold!
View on a United Airlines plane from my Air Canada plane on the tarmac. Nice aerial view from my pane window at night. Me in the UP Express, the train going to Toronto city centre from the airport. Behind me is a screen showing a cartoon version of Toronto skyline.
November 11, 2025 at 12:06 AM
dianekolin.bsky.social
Cool Dungeons & Dragons session organized by Open the Gates Gaming @openthegatesgaming.bsky.social in the universe of the opera “Lucia di Lammermoor” with our DisMus group @amsdismus.bsky.social. A perfect way to end a quite eventful and stressful AMS-SMT conference.
A white man with a grey sweater in front of a game board. Our table showing the players Tekla, Andrew and Sarah, and the Dungeon master Scott. My hand holding the game cards with some strengths and spells coming with my character. Another table with other players and another dungeon master.
November 9, 2025 at 10:38 PM
dianekolin.bsky.social
Day 3 is over. I am exhausted but happy. Our session went very well. Kudos to the Disability and Music Study Group @amsdismus.bsky.social for organizing and to my two co-presenters Elizabeth McLain and Molly Joyce. Still one more day to go. There will be gaming and opera talks!
A picture of me looking tired with a Disability and Music pin on my black top, and a glass of white wine in front of me. A sticker that reads Music and Disability Study Group, and a small purple stone in the shape of a heart.
November 9, 2025 at 2:17 AM
dianekolin.bsky.social
Day 2 is a wrap! There were many great papers about disability-related topics today, from historical explorations of disability in early music in Europe to archival recordings in schools for the Deaf, analysis of compositions in movies featuring disabled characters, and a Braille Music workshop.
Slide of a presentation entitled “Music and visual disability in the early modern Hispanic world: the tradition of blind organists.” There is an image of a manuscript score under the title. Slide of a presentation entitled “Braille and beyond, making music theory accessible through inclusive design.”
November 8, 2025 at 1:36 AM
dianekolin.bsky.social
Day 1 complete! Nice to see friends and colleagues. Saw some very good presentations already. Also, great feeling when someone saw my name tag and told me she put one of my articles about disability and music on her reference list for the class she teaches and students love it 😊
A picture of me, a white woman with red glasses and short hair wearing a black and white striped top, in front of a panel that says American Musicological Society Conference, Welcome, Registration Desk.
November 7, 2025 at 3:24 AM
dianekolin.bsky.social
Just a few days before flying to Minneapolis for the American Musicological Society conference to talk about ArtsAbly, Disability Culture and Disability Activism. My session is scheduled on Saturday, November 8 at 12:30 pm, organized by the Music and Disability Study Group @amsdismus.bsky.social.
First page of the program of my session, Musicking in Disability Community: Access Intimacy and Cultural Activism. Second page of the program presenting details about my talk, ArtsAbly and Disability Culture.
November 3, 2025 at 7:15 PM
dianekolin.bsky.social
I love it when students enjoy the curriculum 🙂 This morning I was talking about Ground Bass during my tutorial, illustrating the topic with the famous Canon in D by Pachelbel, when a student asked me if he could play along. He treated us with a mini concert. I cherish these moments.
A slide showing the title "Baroque: Johann Pachelbel - Canon in D Major" with a note saying that Ground Bass is consists of eight notes following a specific pattern in music. On the bottom right corner, a picture of my student playing his violin.
October 28, 2025 at 9:18 PM
dianekolin.bsky.social
My first ever pull-out kitchen shelves! I wanted to purchase this for many years. I can now store kitchen ustensiles in this unreachable closet from a sitting position. Happy me! I am really grateful to the friend who spent a few hours sweating to install it 🥰
A pull-out shelf inside a high kitchen closet. The shelf is pulled out of the closet and almost reaches the kitchen counter, allowing me to use it from my wheelchair.
October 26, 2025 at 12:07 AM
dianekolin.bsky.social
One of my favourite moments as a Teaching Assistant at York University is leading the organ and harpsichord discovery workshop, with the help of Anindyo Das who presented and played both instruments. It was the last time I did it since I am almost done with my PhD. 🎶
A man with black hair, black pants and a white pullover stands close to a practice organ, explaining how it works. A student tries the organ for the first time. Another one stands on the left and looks at the other student. The man who demoed the organ now sits at the harpsichord, a music instrument looking like a piano with an open lid. Students are around him. Students get closer to the instrument to look inside.
October 21, 2025 at 5:53 PM
dianekolin.bsky.social
Tomorrow I will present my adapted vocal pedagogy research at the UCLA Conference on Trauma and Disability in the Arts, and discuss the topic with colleagues during the Vocal Pedagogy panel. Join us on Friday, Oct 17, at 5:30 pm EST.

More info and livestream link: www.dianekolin.com/event/theori...
October 17, 2025 at 2:31 AM
dianekolin.bsky.social
Congratulations to The Disability Collective for the 2025 DisCover conference! Two days of conversations about arts and disability, all the arts trade were represented. Each presentation and panel brought artists of the disability and Deaf community to discuss these important topics together.
October 14, 2025 at 8:43 PM
dianekolin.bsky.social
Great concert in perspective! I will sing “Vertigo” with Amadeus Choir on Saturday, November 1, 2025 @ 7:30pm at The Playground (388 Carlaw Ave, Toronto)

Book your single tickets or season subscription on amadeuschoir.com/events/ and get a 10% discount with code ALTO2.
A red poster with a photo of an aerial dancer and white text for the concert “Vertigo, a choral tango” with date and time, and link to the Amadeus Choir events page.
October 11, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Reposted by Diane Kolin
artsably.com
ArtsAbly’s Monday Highlights: You have heard their stories in the past episodes of "ArtsAbly in Conversation," but what are they doing now?

This week, we share A. Laura Brody’s activities with Opulent Mobility.
Picture of a red and yellow rose covered with dew, a work by Liane Enkelis. The text reads: Enter the Goddesses 3, opens Sunday October 5, 1 to 6 pm. Live Poetry and Tarot Reading. Pussy Power poets: Linda Kaye, Ed Burgess, Anna Broome, Richard McDowell with Natalie Fratino on bass. At the Los Angeles Makery, 260 South Los Angeles Street, 90012.
September 29, 2025 at 3:21 PM
dianekolin.bsky.social
Singing at Roy Thomson Hall @roythomsonhall.bsky.social in Toronto tonight with Amadeus Choir. Also, advocating for a better accessibility of the choir loft! 👩‍🦽

"Music at the Movies: A Tribute to John Williams" starts at 8 PM. Please come and say hi!

roythomsonhall.mhrth.com/tickets/musi...
Two hands getting out of rolls of films, one of which is holding a conducting baton.
September 26, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Reposted by Diane Kolin
artsably.com
Events like orchestral concerts are often difficult for low-vision attendees, but not at this show. It was “audio described” and included a pre-concert tactile tour facilitated by team members from the Auckland-based company Audio Described Aotearoa.

www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/3606...
A stage with a symphony orchestra and the image of a violin projected on a big screen on stage. The article title, "Sound and visions: Orchestra adds extra dimension for blind concert-goers at new show," appears. The background colour is dark orange, with a newspaper emoji at the top next to "Disability Arts & Culture."
September 9, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Reposted by Diane Kolin
artsably.com
ArtsAbly’s Monday Highlights:

This week, we share Dr. Stefan Sunandan Honisch’s interview by Salli Carter in The Educator Experiences podcast. At its heart, this conversation asks educators to reflect on how we can change so that inclusivity isn’t an afterthought, but the foundation.
A poster presenting the episode, season 3 episode 2, of the Educator Experience. Title says: Accessibility isn't optional, building inclusive classrooms. The pictures of Salli Carter and Stefan Sunandan Honisch are shown under the description of the episode. More detailed description of the episode with a short summary: Dr. Stefan Sunandan Honisch Stefan brings in references from Naomi Klein's book "Doppelganger" and Daniel Heath Justice's paper "Demanding Kinder Classrooms" grounding the conversation in critical frameworks that may be new to many listeners but are transformative for teaching practice. Together, they explore: Access friction ction-how accommodating one access need can unintentionally create barriers for others; Online Spaces & Lessons from COVID-19; Reimagining teaching and learning spaces; The value of engaging deeply with disability studies as an educator.
September 8, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Reposted by Diane Kolin
artsably.com
Public art in the city is important access and accessibility are rarely considered for public installations. One of ArtsAbly's tasks is to work with organizations and partners to ensure art becomes accessible to all. What is your accessibility experience of public art installation in your city?
Terry Fox (We Are Shaped by the Obstacles We Face), installed in the Toronto Music Garden in Toronto. Two half bronze sculptures showing the silhouette of someone running, surrounded by grass, plants and trees of a public garden. The CN Tower and condo buildings are in the background. The sculpture of Glenn Gould installed in front of the CBC building in Toronto. Bronze sculpture of a man sitting on a bench. He wears a His legs are crossed. His hand holds the front part of the cap on his head. The Waters Guardians at Tannery Rd and Front Street East in Toronto. Giant metallic sculpture representing two characters painted in blue, in am urban park. On the ground, blue and green waves paintings represent a river. The two characters’ legs are open as if it was a bridge. People walking in the park walk between the legs. The statue of Jack Layton (Jack's Got Your Back) installed close to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in Toronto. Bronze sculpture of a man in the back of a tandem bike. The from seat welcomes people to sit. Around him, a wall on which the following sentence is written: Jack’s got your back. Stronger together, the Layton Memorial.
September 5, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Reposted by Diane Kolin
artsably.com
Issues raised from the 2024 concerts included not being able to see the stage, a lack of accessible toilets and cobbles and cables in the accessibility lane. Cuffe & Taylor said it wants to "improve facilities for customers with accessible requirements".

www.bbc.com/news/article...
People using wheelchairs attending a music festival. The platform for wheelchairs is very far from the stage, behind a huge crowd of able bodied attendees. The article title "Cuffe & Taylor Festival: Better concert accessibility promised after talks" appears. The background colour is dark green, with a newspaper emoji at the top next to "Disability Arts & Culture."
September 4, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Reposted by Diane Kolin
artsably.com
Despite its reputation for innovation, the performing arts industry is overlooking a critical form of talent: artists and professionals with accessibility needs. This article explores the barriers they face and the solutions they utilize.

www.forbes.com/sites/billsc...
Someone in a wheelchair rolling on a beige floor. The article title "The Imagination Industry Fails To Imagine Artists With Accessibility Needs" appears. The background colour is blue, with a newspaper emoji at the top next to "Disability Arts & Culture."
August 28, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Reposted by Diane Kolin
artsably.com
Disability Arts Online (DAO) has unveiled dis_place, a pioneering digital gallery that breaks new ground in accessible exhibition-making. The platform reimagines how art can be experienced online prioritising accessibility.

The article is available here: criplife.co.uk/disability-a...
Promo image of digital artwork representing a pine tree, shoes and a TV screen with headphones in a virtual exhibition space. The article title "Disability Arts Online Launches dis_place: A Game-Changer For Accessible Digital Exhibitions" appears. The background colour is dark orange, with a newspaper emoji at the top next to "Disability Arts & Culture."
August 21, 2025 at 6:26 PM
dianekolin.bsky.social
Thank you Dame Evelyn Glennie ❤️ Why image description is important.

youtu.be/-hh9OpEdeRE?...
Evelyn Discusses... | Image and Video Descriptions
YouTube video by Evelyn Glennie
youtu.be
August 19, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Reposted by Diane Kolin
artsably.com
Our "Back to Work" newsletter is out! We highlight a few of our summer activities and recommend two events from our colleagues, Outside the March @outsidethemarch.bsky.social and Sawchuk Accessible Solutions. Check it out!

www.artsably.com?mailpoet_rou...
A sign showing a wheelchair logo and the text Music in the Village, in front of the accessibility both. On the back, a FabCollab sign can be seen, with white and golden letters saying FabCollab on a black background.
August 19, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Reposted by Diane Kolin
artsably.com
Today and tomorrow, ArtsAbly will be present at the Village at Black Creek for a dance and music festival organized by FabCollab.

Entrance is free. The shows start at 11:30am. Remember to wear sun screen and bring water!

For a full schedule and downloadable accessibility guide, visit fabcollab.ca
A woman with a red dress and blue shawl dancing. The text reads Today, FabCollab presents Music in the Village, The Village at Black Creek.
August 9, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Reposted by Diane Kolin
artsably.com
ArtsAbly is the accessibility advisor of FabCollab’s “Music in the Village” at The Village at Black Creek.

Come and experience two days of live music and dance performances by woman and gender diverse-led artists, along with a traditional welcome by Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers.
Festival poster with text reading FabCollab’s Music in the Village, the Village at Black Creek, August 9-10. Yellow and pink houses are represented on the right side.
August 6, 2025 at 4:41 PM