It was another bright and sunny summer evening at Avondale Park in Birmingham, Alabama, for Women Under Construction Network (WUCN).

As community members followed dance instructors’ movements on stage, Movement to Music (M2M) instructors simultaneously demonstrated seated adaptations, allowing participants with mobility limitations to perform the same choreography alongside everyone else.

WUCN partnered with NCHPAD and M2M for its summer series, Freedom Friday in the Park, ensuring access for all. The event is a prime example of how community organizations can intentionally build accessibility into existing events rather than creating a separate disability-focused program.

Accessibility Expanded the Mission

WUCN Founder Shellie Layne said the organization was started to support, unite and empower women from different cultural, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, and Freedom Friday is designed to fulfill its mission using movement as a power tool through dance.

However, during the planning process, Layne said organizers had the realization that true togetherness meant including people with disabilities from the beginning.

“We wanted to make sure that we included every woman, and everyone who wanted to dance,” Layne said. “And how do we do that? We partner with an organization that already works with those who have physical challenges.”

Through connections at UAB, Layne partnered with NCHPAD and M2M through NCHPAD’s Stephanie Ward to get expert help on including people with disabilities. It wasn’t just about inviting people – it required thoughtful planning.

“Now we not only have colors of all kinds, backgrounds of all kinds, but now we have abilities of all kinds, and that makes us one strong, inclusive event.”

Small Adaptations Create the Same Experience for Everyone

The goal from the partnership was to create shared participation, rather than separation. M2M instructors demonstrate seated adaptations, mirroring the same choreography as the rest of the dance instructors.

M2M coordinator Avery Vitemb said the M2M instructors mimick upper- and lower-body movements from a seated position with adaptations such as arms below shoulder height, no leg movement and one-sided assistance.

“We can all dance together with any mobility level and feel like we are a group moving in unison,” Vitemb said. “If our adaptations were different choreography from the lead dance instructors, it would pull away from feeling all as one together.”

One of her favorite moments was the adaptation of traditional Chinese dance because it illustrated beautiful storytelling and showed how even culturally specific dance can be made accessible.

Accessibility Goes Beyond Dance

For WUCN, including people with disabilities involved much more than adapted choreography. Layne explained that the event was intentionally positioned to be visible from the street and parking lot to reduce the distance to walk and have better access.

Vitemb said small changes make a large difference. She recommends having accessible seating areas, shaded areas, ample water, ramps, accessible stages and wireless microphones when possible.

Accessibility doesn’t always require expensive renovations. Often, it just takes intentional planning and continually checking in for feedback from participants.

“This really adds to the community, empowerment and feeling connected and having fun all together,” Vitemb said.

WUCN has also added disability-related accommodation questions to registration surveys for future events because this partnership changed how organizers think about accessibility.

“This made us more cognizant, more aware and more sensitive,” Layne said.

WUCN is also planning on live streaming their next Freedom Friday event on Aug. 7, 2026, to give access to anyone who may have challenges with transportation or other barriers to attendance.

Why Partnerships Matter

While WUCN has grown in its mission of empowering women and building community engagement, they have been able to leverage M2M and NCHPAD’s technical expertise on disability to expand Freedom Friday’s access and reach.

Accessibility isn’t about creating separate experiences – it’s about making shared experiences possible, and Layne believes that with an open mind, everyone can benefit.

“Stop, take a look around and see who else can be involved in your programming,” Layne said. “Figure out ways that you can partner, collaborate and make it open to those who would not otherwise have access, because it’s a win-win for everyone.”

For more on Women Under Construction Network and their future programming, check out their website.