Accessibility at Sable

Inspired by our accessibility advisor, VT-based disabled and trans dancer Toby MacNutt, this page is not to simply state we are accessible and move on (we are not fully accessible!), but rather to give you (our prospective visitor/guest/resident) a better understanding of both the physical and organizational offerings of The Sable Project. Sable is seeking to approach accessibility holistically. We continue to reflect on who has access to Sable and how we can broaden that demographic, while also being transparent about our growing edges and limitations. We hope this helps you make choices about if, when, and how to come to Sable. We are also very open to feedback on ways this page could be improved!

To start, we are located in rural Vermont on the side of a mountain. That isn’t changing anytime soon! Public transportation to Sable is minimal (we do offer to pick up Residents from the local train or bus stations), and the physical topography of The Sable Land can be challenging - lots of hills and roots and uneven ground. We are working on creating more walkable pathways throughout the land, as well as striving to make our structures as physically accessible as possible (handrails, adequate space, ramps, etc.). You can find more details about our various Sable Structures here.

Parking: We have a few designated parking spaces that are on relatively flat ground, just down the hill from the communal kitchen (the hub of Sable). These are closer to the action (and the stage/amphitheater) than the general parking lot. If you need one of these more accessible spots, you’re welcome to enter via our main driveway. (For best results, make a wide turn into and out of the driveway.)

Maps: By the start of our 2024 season, our goal is to have maps scattered throughout the land to give visitors a better understanding of where they are and the terrain/distances/slopes between spaces. 

Camping: We provide tent platforms. Residents are expected to bring their own tent and camping supplies. We are working on obtaining a few more permanent canvas tents where we can add a cot for a more comfortable sleeping situation. 

Financial Accessibility:
Our Artist Residency does have a fee. We attempt to keep our price as low as possible while considering the cost of running our programs. Our BIPOC Artist Fund provides partially to fully funded residencies for Black artists, Indigenous artists, and artists of color. We also offer sliding scale financial aid and/or payment plans for any prospective residents unable to afford our fee - no one will be turned away.

Our Food and Art Series gatherings and public workshops are free to attend. Our Water in the Wood showcase is ticketed, but we try to keep the cost of tickets low. Dragon Pizza by Fat Dragon Farm is for sale but you are welcome to BYOB. We welcome donations at these events and anytime.

Do you have more questions that aren’t answered here? Email us with any questions at info@thesableproject.org ! 

Know before you go!

  • Directions (see our Contact Page)
    If you are coming from the Killington area, do NOT turn onto South Hill Road. (Unless you want a stressful adventure!) Continue on Rt 107 into Stockbridge (the river will be on your left) and take the next right-hand turn onto Ranney Road - look for the large white farmhouse as Rt 107 bends to the left. Take this sharp right turn onto Ranney Road and follow the signs from there.

    Tips for driving: The road up to Sable is a one-lane 4th-class dirt road. It has a few large water bars that prevent erosion but make driving more difficult. Drive SLOWLY and be very careful in low-clearance cars. To prevent scraping the bottom of your car, put your wheels on the highest part of the road. When leaving Sable and traveling back downhill, yield to uphill traffic. There are a few spots to pull over on the side.

    At Sable: There is NO electricity, wifi, or cell service at Sable. Plan accordingly!

    Questions? Contact The Sable Team at info@thesableproject.org. While at Sable, speak to a Sable Team member.

  • Arrival: General parking is in lot on right, further up Taggart Hill Road from Sable’s main entrance. Overflow parking is on the trail between the Parking Lot and Dragon Oven hut. More accessible parking is at Sable’s main entrance, next to the gardens.

    Check-In: If attending a ticketed event, please check in at the Welcome Table.

    Bathroom: We have one portable toilet located on the trail between the Parking Lot and Dragon Oven Hut. This is cleaned out & restocked professionally biweekly or weekly. Please wash your hands: there is a hand wash station with water, soap, and paper towels outside of the portable toilet. Please let a Sable Team member know if anything needs to be restocked.

    The Kitchen and Bathhouse are for Sable Residents only and not open to the public.

    Night-time safety: Especially on cloudy or new moon nights, it can get pretty dark! We use solar lights on our structures but our pathways to the Parking Lot are not lit. We recommend using a flashlight to get safely to your car and driving carefully down the hill when you depart.

  • Health & Wellness Forms: All Sable Artists are required to submit a Health & Wellness form prior to their residency. This form includes health information such as allergies, dietary restrictions, relevant vaccinations, and health insurance, as well as emergency contacts.

    Arrival: If driving, you are welcome to come in our main entrance to check in and get a tour. We will figure out together where is best to park once you are unpacked.

    Sleeping: Residents sleep in tents on tent platforms. Please bring your own tent and camping supplies. A limited amount of assorted camping equipment (mostly sleeping pads) is available for use upon request. Extra blankets and clothing are available for Residents to borrow during their time at Sable. We do not currently have but hope to build a couple of more stable structures in the future for those who need a more accessible sleeping space.

    Charging: There is no place to charge devices on the Sable land. If you have charging needs for your health & wellness, please communicate with the Sable Team to figure out a charging plan. We also recommend external battery packs. Otherwise, we embrace the off-grid lifestyle!

    General: Please be in direct communication with The Sable Team to let us know your accessibility needs!

  • Arrival: Please check in with a member of The Sable Team upon arrival.

    Sleeping: Overnights guests are asked to bring their own tents and camping equipment.

    Bathroom: Unless otherwise advised by The Sable Team, please use our portable toilet, located on the trail between the parking lot and Dragon Oven Hut. This is cleaned out & restocked professionally biweekly or weekly. Please wash your hands: there is a hand wash station with water, soap, and paper towels outside of the portable toilet. Please let a Sable Team member know if anything needs to be restocked.