Maria Porto is a Disabled, Indigenous, Latina Activist and Advisor. She founded ACCESS Broadway NY in 2022. Experienced in developing pathways for intentional accessibility for theater venues across the country she is a proud part of the disabled community and recognizes the barriers often placed within the theater and entertainment industries. In founding ACCESS Broadway NY she assembled a team of consultants who are all of varying Disabilities to help create systems, programming, and software’s to bridge those barriers for the community.

Over the last 8 years she has dedicated her time to advocating for those in the community who need accommodations and designing pathways for theaters to provide such services. She has worked with Karen Etcoff as an assistant casting director on A Different Man, the Manhattan Theater Club, The Broadway League and most recently joined as Disability Inclusion Consultant for Heartstrings, a tour created by UNCEF. Her work with ACCESS Broadway NY also promotes accessible performances, which involves the coordination of ASL Interpreters, Touch Tours, Sensory friendly performances.