Did you know……

• 14.4% of West Virginians under 65 have a disability.
• 57 million Americans report some level of disability – 20% of the population.
• Fewer than 15% of people with disabilities were born with them.
• One third of Americans with disabilities are 65 or older.
• The United States Census Bureau estimates that people with disabilities have over $188 billion annually in disposable income.

A universal or inclusive environment for the arts is one that is usable by everyone, regardless of disability or age.

Why? It's the law. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires organizations to make their programs, services, activities, and employment accessible to persons with disabilities.

Why? It's an opportunity. Universal planning makes choices that recognize that we are all different, that we have different ways of doing things, and that we have different preferences about how we access information and communicate. It creates an environment where programs and exhibits are chosen to reflect a commitment to being part of an inclusive community. The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History (WVDACH) and the West Virginia Commission on the Arts (WVCA) have such a commitment.

All grant requests to the WVDACH/WVCA will require the applicant to address Accessibility/ADA thoroughly. The requirements for organizations receiving state and federal funds are the same regardless of whether the building is owned, rented, or leased. All applicants receiving support from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts or National Endowment for the Arts are expected to comply with Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Applicants will be required to either give assurances that your project/program/facility is accessible and in full compliance with the ADA or submit the Accessibility Checklist and Transition Plan indicating how and when you will be in compliance.

The expectations for quality accessible programs are the same for schools and arts organizations. Schools are urged to use the Transition Plan as a tool to improve awareness and promote accessibility.

The expectations for quality accessible programs are the same for schools and arts organizations. Schools are urged to use the Transition Plan as a tool to improve awareness and promote accessibility. It is not required as part of the grant application.

Check ADA Law yourself:
U.S. Department of Justice’s ADA Site: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

Contact:
Jenna Green
Cultural Facilities and ADA/Section 504 Coordinator
West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History
[email protected]
Phone: 304/558-0240 ext. 725
TDD: 304/558-3562