Wyoming Arts Council Accessibility Statement
The Wyoming Arts Council believes that experiencing the arts should be accessible for all, including people with mental and/or physical disabilities, older adults, military/veterans, people living in institutions and those who lack access to the arts due to geographic isolation, cultural difference and economic hardship.
The WAC Accessibility Coordinator is available to assist in accessibility efforts, including finding resources, help completing a 504 Self-Evaluation, Accessibility Plan, or Checklist, or to submit an accommodation request or ADA grievance. Contact our Accessibility Coordinator, Cashmere Balland at (307) 214-7819 or cashmere.balland1@wyo.gov
Start Your Accessibility Review
Accessibility Checklist
An Accessibility Checklist is a simple review tool for your organization, facilities, and programs to help identify potential barriers. If your organization does not already have a completed Self-Evaluation or Accessibility Plan, we encourage you to download and complete the checklist as a starting point toward compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) / Section 504 requirements.
- Accessibility Checklist for Grantees: Covers organization, program, and main facility.
- Additional Venue/Facility Checklist: Only required if using multiple facilities.
Accessibility terminology used in the checklist:
- Accessibility Coordinator – A designated staff, board member, or volunteer responsible for overseeing accessibility and Section 504/ADA compliance.
- Accessibility Policy/Statement – A written policy stating an organization’s commitment and approach to making all services, information, and programs accessible to individuals with disabilities and others lacking access to the arts.
- Access Committee – An advisory group on access issues that includes members with various disabilities.
- Accessibility Symbols – Used to promote accessibility services.
- ADA – The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities.
- Targeted Programs for Creative Activities or Participation – Programs and services specifically designed for constituents who lack access to the arts.
- Inclusive Programs for Creative Activities or Participation – Programs and services designed to include constituents lacking access to the arts alongside the organization’s target audience.
- Outreach to Bring Arts to Constituents – Dedicated efforts to deliver existing programs and services to those lacking access to the arts.
- Outreach to Bring Constituents to Programs – Dedicated efforts to help constituents attend or participate in existing programs and services.
- Publicized Process to Request Accommodations – Clear information on how to request accommodations to fully participate in or benefit from programs and services. This often includes contact details (email or phone) and a recommended deadline (typically two weeks prior to the activity).
- Section 504 – Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a national law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
Self-Evaluation and Plan
A Self-Evaluation is a detailed review of your organization, facilities, and programs to identify accessibility barriers. An Accessibility Plan is a written document that guides your board, staff, and volunteers in complying with ADA/504 requirements and ensuring the arts are accessible to everyone. Many grantee organizations may already have both a Self-Evaluation and a Plan in place.
Getting Started: Key Steps for Organizations
- Clear Entry Signage
- Exhibits (label height, approach distance, floor space)
- Impaired Hearing (captioning, assistive listening devices, sign language interpreter, etc.)
- Impaired Vision (large print, audio/video description, Braille, touch tours)
- Parking
- Policy on Accessibility and Plan for Improvement (written)
- Food Service (review tips for accommodating diners with disabilities)
- Seating (oversized, companion seating, integrated, dispersed)
- Staff and Volunteer Training on accessibility
- Telephone Access (TDD, TTY, amplifier, other)
- Accessibility Symbols used on signage, promotional, and informational materials
- Venue (doors, elevator/lift, handrails, indoor/outdoor ramps, restrooms, lighting)
- Website (tagging, text-only option)
Tools for Grantees & Organizations
Use these resources to assess barriers, create plans, and take practical steps to increase access for people with disabilities.
- Resources to Ensure Accessibility of Virtual Events – Guidance from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) on making digital and virtual events inclusive for people with disabilities.
- Section 504 Self-Evaluation Workbook – A workbook provided by the NEA to help organizations evaluate the accessibility of their current programs and activities.
- Accessibility Regulations Tip Sheet – An NEA resource outlining updates to ADA regulations, including the 2010 revisions.
- 12 Step Plan to Access – A practical guide prepared by Deborah Lewis from the ELA Foundation to support organizations in creating accessible programs and services.
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) – A checklist and guidelines from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to help developers design websites that are accessible to people with disabilities.
- ADA National Network Disability Law Handbook – A broad overview of rights and responsibilities under federal disability laws.
- Disability Language Style Guide – Created by the National Center on Disability and Journalism, this style guide helps people use accurate, respectful, and inclusive language when talking about individuals with disabilities.
- Disability Access Symbols – Free downloadable logos from the Graphic Artists Guild to help publicize accessibility features. Includes explanations of each symbol and guidance on appropriate use.