Overview
The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) is committed to ensuring that arts venues, as well as arts programs, are truly inclusive and more accessible to everyone in our communities.
Toward that end, we compile and update a list of resources that can help others develop and implement plans that make both the creation — and the enjoyment — of the arts more accessible to those with disabilities.
NEA Resources
Grantees must complete and have on file the NEA Section 504 Self-Evaluation Workbook. The workbook is designed to be used in conjunction with Design for Accessibility: A Cultural Administrator's Handbook, an overview and how-to guide for making arts programs accessible to people with various disabilities.
The Accessibility Planning and Resource Guide for Cultural Administrators is a step-by-step, detailed guide to help arts organizations with compliance and inclusion.
The documents listed above are currently under revision to comply with the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design. In the meantime, it is important to use these resources.
The NEA has provided a tip sheet to summarize the 2010 revisions as they relate to arts and cultural organizations.
The NEA's Brief Accessibility Checklist is an additional tool for arts and cultural organizations.
Regional and National Resource Organizations
The New England ADA Center is one of 10 regional ADA Centers comprising the ADA National Network. provides guidance, and training on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) tailored to meet the needs of businesses, government and individuals at local, regional and national levels.
The National Endowment for the Arts Office for Accessibility offers technical assistance and guidance. They provide multiple publications and resources on their website or in-person guidance through their office at 202.682.5532 voice, 202.682.5496 TTY, 202.682.5715 fax, or email to accessibility@arts.gov or the Office of Civil Rights at (202) 682-5454 or (202) 682-5695 Voice/T.T.Y.
Assessment & Planning
Accessibility checklists provide baseline (current status) assessment of your facility, programs, and services. Once you have your baseline you can then work to set short-term and long-term goals and develop a plan that aims to make the arts more accessible to all.
ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities based on 2010 Design Standards
Arts and Humanities Accessibility Checklist This resource was developed by the Accessibility Offices at the National Endowment for the Arts and has not yet been updated to reflect the 2010 Regulations on the Americans with Disabilities Act or the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design.
New Jersey Theater Self-Evaluation Checklist
Accessible Websites
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is an international community where member organizations, a full-time staff, and the public work together to develop web standards. There are three levels of compliance: A, AA, and AAA. On January 18, 2017 the U.S. Access Board published a final rule updating accessibility requirements for information and communication technology (ICT) covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Communications Act.
Exhibit Design
Smithsonian Guidelines for Accessible Exhibit Design
Everyone's Welcome: The Americans with Disabilities Act and Museums
Inclusive Digital Interactives: Best practices + research
Meetings and Event Planning
Accessible Temporary Events, A Planning Guide
A Planning Guide for Making Temporary Events Accessible to people with Disabilities
Removing Barriers: Planning Meetings That Are Accessible to All Participants
Regulations, Guidelines, Standards, and Rules
Americans with Disabilities Act
The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division developed a website that provides information and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act. The following are links to revised regulations, design standards, and guidance, effective in 2012. They should be used and referenced together. If your organization is a state or local government organization such as a public school, library, town office, etc., be aware that you have obligations and requirements under Title II of the ADA. Your organization will need to comply with applicable state and local laws too.
2010 Regulations for Title III Organizations
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
2010 Regulations for Title II Organizations
US Access Board Guide to the ADA Standards
Service Animals
Service Animal ADA Requirements
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals
Kennedy Center Accessibility Tip Sheet: Service Animals and the 2010 Revised ADA Guidelines
Ticketing and Admissions
ADA 2010 Revised Requirements: Ticket Sales
ADA National Network on Ticketing
Accessibility Symbols
The Graphic Artists Guild offers downloadable disability access symbols to help you promote and publicize accessibility for people with disabilities