Arts Accessibility

Find out how your arts group or arts activity can be more accessible to people with disabilities.

In January 1992, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) made equal access to cultural programs and services a civil right.

In this same spirit, MRAC strives to increase opportunities for participation in the arts by persons with disabilities in the programs and services that MRAC undertakes as well as the projects that MRAC supports through grants. To assist our applicants in planning and implementing accessibility strategies, MRAC developed the Arts Accessibility Planning Guide. This guide offers a step-by-step approach for identifying and planning for accessibility issues. MRAC also provides grants of up to $600 for nonprofit arts groups for unforeseen project costs related to access for persons with disabilities through their Emergency Accessibility Grant program.

For your convenience the Arts Accessibility Planning Guide is divided into sections below. To download the Planning Guide as a single document click here.

Arts Accessibility Planning Process: Use these five basic steps to help your organization meet the accessibility needs of people with disabilities in your community.

Sample Policy Statement: Use this sample to develop your own accessibility policy.

Accessibility Audits: Use these questionnaires to examine your organization's response to accessibility issues in

• Organizational Policies
• Programs and Services
• Facilities

Accessibility planning worksheets: Use these worksheets to help you implement your accessibility plan.

Resources: Use these resources to help your organization develop and implement your accessibility plan.

Publications: Use this list of publications about the ADA to better understand ADA requirements.

Advertise your Accessibility: Let people know what you have done to be more accessible!

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 useof 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.

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