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
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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 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/disabilityaccess-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/DesignAc
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