Folk School Studios Manager Mel Buchanan attends LEAD Conference 

At the John C. Campbell Folk School, visitors are often struck by the natural beauty of campus, and the community-centered care held in the hearts of students and staff. Here, artistic exploration thrives alongside a dedicated effort to ensure every student and guest feels welcome and supported. 

Mel Buchanan, studios manager at the Folk School, is passionate about accessibility, always perusing a continual effort to ensure students and visitors are accommodated. She works in conjunction with the maintenance team, striving for campus facilities to adhere to the expectations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).   

To deepen her understanding and expand the Folk School’s inclusive practices, Buchanan attended the Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) conference at the Kennedy Center in Cleaveland, Ohio in 2025. 

“I recently got a certification in ADA compliance. So, I thought this conference would take the little, tiny bit I know and expand my knowledge tremendously, and it did,” said Buchanan. 

Throughout the week-long venture, Buchanan attended many lectures focused on best practices in accessibility. Pleased with the numerous lectures offered at the conference, and the support she received from the other attendees, Buchanan was refreshed with new insight when she returned. 

“Some of the things I’ve done is put live captions as an option in every studio and putting in new furniture that is ADA compliant and considers people with hand limitations and how they use our studios,” said Buchanan. 

In addition to live closed captioning in studios, an electric, all-terrain wheelchair is available for students with mobility needs. This electric mobility aid will assist folks in getting across campus to class, housing, and meals, ensuring their comfort for their entire stay in Brasstown. 

Buchanan noted some folks with mobility issues can have trouble getting around campus. Citing her goal with the wheelchair is to ensure those of all abilities are able to get into their studios safely and comfortably.  

Reflecting on the experience, she shared how impactful the conference was professionally and personally. Recalling the lecturers and fellow attendees who approached her after presentations, who generously shared their contact information and offered their advice.  

“It sounds cheesy, but I feel changed now in the way I look at certain things when it comes to accessibility on our campus. There’s a lot more we can do, and I am working on a road map for when to do those things at the right time, but it just felt good. We’re doing really well,” said Buchanan. 

The sense of community at LEAD echoed the Folk School’s own values, reinforcing its mission to bring folks together and transform lives in an environment that nurtures. As the Folk School continues to expand its programming and reach, Buchanan’s efforts signal a commitment to ensuring the arts remain accessible to all.  

“We’re already doing a lot, which is awesome,” said Buchanan. “Looking at it, I was like, ‘heck, yeah, this is perfect, this is something that’s really important to me,’ and I’ve been working toward making us more accessible in the studios.”