Arts Accessibility

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) took effect in January 1992. The passage of this act made equal access to cultural programs and services a civil right. To assist our applicants in planning and implementing accessibility strategies, MRAC has developed the Arts Accessibility Planning Guide. This guide offers a step-by-step approach for identifying and planning for accessibility issues. In it you will find:

• Questionnaires to help you audit organizational policies, programs, services and facilities
• Accessibility Plan Worksheet for identifying the steps you'll need to take toward achieving greater accessibility
• Resources list to put you in touch with 1) organizations that can assist you in arranging alternative format communications, and 2) local and national organizations and publications serving people with disabilities.

For additional resources including downloadable Disability Access Symbols, go to our Resources Page.

In an effort to help performing groups plan for and implement the use of sign language interpreters in their work, MRAC has developed Working With American Sign Language/English Interpreters in Performing Arts. This guide offers a step-by-step approach to producing a performance that uses ASL interpretation. It is divided into three sections with vital information for your production and stage managers. It also includes a resources list to put you in touch with organizations that can assist you in arranging an interpreted performance.

These guides may be downloaded by clicking the following links.

• Arts Accessibility Planning Guide (136K)
• Working with American Sign Language/English Interpreters in Performing Arts (61K)

You may also write us at mrac@mrac.org to receive copies of these guides.