All Abilities Conference 2026

Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa is hosting a new, free conference all about opening up arts and cultural spaces to people with disabilities. The All Abilities Conference brings together artists, arts administrators, educators and community members for a day of learning led by speakers and performers with lived experience of disability.

The day opens with a welcome performance by Thomas Kelley and Infinite Flow, followed by a keynote from Marisa Hamamoto, founder of the disability-led dance company Infinite Flow. Later sessions cover accessible marketing, designing inclusive programs and learning environments using the Center's Studio D: Arts School for All Abilities as a model, and a panel of working performing artists on self-advocacy and building accessibility riders. The afternoon wraps with a conversation about creating sensory-friendly theater, including an excerpt from the show Yellow Bird Chase.

Registration also includes a free ticket to the Broadway tour of The Outsiders that evening, with ASL interpreters and Watch Word Live glasses available, and the conference connects to the free, family-friendly All Abilities Celebration on the plaza on Saturday. Parents who advocate for kids with disabilities, teachers, therapists and anyone working in museums, libraries, theaters or classrooms will find practical ideas to take home.

Registration is free but required. Sign up by the October 7 early bird deadline to be entered to win a free ticket to Bind Runner at South Coast Repertory. Registration closes October 14.

📅 Dates & Times

Friday, October 23, 2026

8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (check-in and networking begin at 8:30 AM)

The Outsiders performance for registered attendees: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

The free All Abilities Celebration follows on Saturday, October 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Venue

Check-in is in the Concert Hall Lobby. Sessions take place in the Studio Performance Space, on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza and in the Samueli Theater.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

600 Town Center Dr.

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

👨🏻‍👩🏻‍👦🏻‍👦🏻 Age Requirement

This conference is designed for adults, including artists, arts administrators, educators and parents.

🎟️ Tickets/Price

Registration is free.

Early bird registration deadline: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 (early registrants are entered to win a free ticket to Bind Runner at South Coast Repertory).

Registration deadline: Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Registration includes a free ticket to The Outsiders on the evening of October 23; show tickets are handed out at the conference.

REGISTER FOR FREE

🍔 Food

Lunch is scheduled from 12:30 PM to 1:15 PM on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. Dinner is on your own before the evening performance.

🚙 Parking

Parking structures serve the Center. The Center Tower Parking Structure is on Sunflower Avenue between Avenue of the Arts and Park Center Drive, and the Plaza Tower Parking Structure is off Park Center Drive.

Parking rates for performances are $15 (credit card only), and valet is $30 on Town Center Drive. Garages are not operated by the Center, and daytime rates may differ.

🌐 Website Link

Segerstrom Center for the Arts: All Abilities Conference 2026

🧭 Directions

Click on the “Google” map for directions.

📢 Disclaimer

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