WV Division of Culture & History

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

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

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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/

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

11. 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/DesignAccessibility.html • Please refer to the handouts for more detailed information • Ask Rose and I will help you find the answer

12. 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