Finally, students participated in one more workshop with DePaul Vocal Dialect Coach, Sammi Grant, in which she led students through exercises that challenged them to portray a character not just through their words, but through body language, tone, and movement. And, there was a surprise twist - Professor Grant is blind. “They didn’t tell us she was going to be blind,” explained Tyler. “That was actually amazing. Usually, you don’t see teachers here in Indianapolis who are blind. I didn’t know there were some out there in Chicago and other places.”


During Professor Grant’s workshop, a student asked, "What access services did you need with this job to be successful?" Grant responded, "I use a screen reader and I really need things to be accessible to me electronically. I have to advocate for myself quite often. That is really important too if you become an actor. I have to remind myself that I am not a burden."


Creative, validating, and empowering experiences like these help youth build confidence, learn about the world from someone else's point of view, practice decision-making, improve social skills, and develop critical thinking skills. Additionally, for youth with vision impairments, multi-sensory experiences like the Bright Lights, Big City, Chicago Extravaganza create strong connections to the world.


Photo Description (Top Right): Several ISBVI students stand in the DePaul University Theatre School set workshop, as the DePaul Scene Shop Foreperson teaches them about the workshop and its specs.


Photo Description (Bottom Left): ISBVI students examine materials used for set design at DePaul University’s Theatre School.


Photo Description (Bottom Right): An ISBVI student holds a piece of wood-like material in his hands as he examines it closely.


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