WV Division of Culture History Staff Training The

WV Division of Culture & History Staff Training The ADA and You November 2011

You, the staff Are considered to be the most important single asset of any cultural institution

Defining Disability �Preconceived stereotypes do not always apply �Many individuals with age related disabilities do not label themselves as a person with a disability �Disability goes beyond just a wheelchair �A disability is not always detected visually �Disability goes beyond the visitor, what about staff?

Our Goal Today is to……. . �To give each employee the tools to become more inclusive and comfortable involving individuals with disabilities in your activities/job functions �How not to just meet the basics of the law but to provide a richer experience for everyone �Provide you with updates to the ADA and resources to help you better understand how to be more accessible not just physically but programmatically as well

WHY? ? ? �It’s the law �To reach out to underserved audiences �WV has the highest percentage of individuals with disabilities �WV has the highest group of adults over the age of 65 �It effects us all in every position, not just front line staff

HOW? ? ? �Examples: �Using people first language �Using correct fonts for exhibit labels, signage and print materials �Do we advertise the accessible services we provide by using the universal symbols for accommodations �Is the website readable by a screen reader �Do you know how to use the TTY phone system �Are alternate formats available to our printed materials �Are volunteers and staff trained on what accommodations WVDCH does offer and what is possible with notification

People First Language �Identify the person first, not the disability-See the person not the disability �Example: An artist with a disability not disabled artist �Avoid usage of the word(s) handicapped/disabled/the blind/suffers-victims of-afflicted with �Don’t use “normal” to describe people without disabilities �Never use the work “retard” or “retarded” �Speak directly to the individual not to companion or interpreter �Treat adults like adults

Fonts and more Fonts �Font size is no smaller than 12 pt. When possible use 14 pt font-applicable to brochures, newsletters, magazines, etc � Large print materials use between 14 and 24 pt font �For effective exhibit labels use a minimum of 24 pt font with high contrast; should be mounted between 48” to 67” from the floor; are readable from a seated position and approachable within 3 feet to view �Font selection is simple. Do not use compressed, condensed, complicated, decorative or cursive fonts

Access Symbols �Free to download �Easily promotes accessible places & programs �Should be on marketing materials �Can be found on: www. graphicartsguild. org/resources/disability-access -symbols/

Big Changes in the Law �Service Animal definition �Mobility Devices �Ticketing �Design Standards �Safe Harbor �Reduction of Elements

For more information �Visit our updated resource section at www. wvculture. org/arts �Design for Accessibility: A Cultural Administrator's Handbook found at: www. nea. gov/resources/Accessibility/pubs/Design. Ac cessibility. html �Please refer to the handouts for more detailed information �Ask Rose and I will help you find the answer

Relax �Do not approach Accessibility as something new and different �Approach Accessibility as a way to reach out to everyone in your community �Relax and think about Accessibility with Universal Design in mind-the best way to accommodate everyone