BOSTON: Open Door Arts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access, participation, and representation for people with disabilities in the arts, has launched an “Arts and Culture Accessibility Hub,” a comprehensive, free national digital platform designed to help arts and culture organizations across the U.S. improve accessibility and deepen engagement with the disability community. Developed by cultural access experts—a majority of whom have disabilities—from across the country, the Hub consolidates practical self-assessment tools, accessibility planning guides, practical information, legal guidance, training opportunities, and expert resources for cultural organizations of every size, budget, and experience level.
According to a statement from Open Door Arts managing director Nicole Agois, the nonprofit created this resource “because the cultural sector needs it and the disability community deserves it. Organizations want to be more accessible, but that often feels overwhelming. We created the Hub to provide them with a clear path and everything they need to turn their intentions to action.”
Created in partnership with experts in accessibility, instructional design, disability culture, and disability law, the Hub aims to serve as both a resource and a movement equipping organizations to learn and grow at their own pace, while fostering sector-wide change. Highlights include centralized accessibility information and vetted resources on more than 50 topics, accessibility self-assessment tools, expert directories, training and certification opportunities, and featured artwork by over 40 artists with disabilities.
Open Door Arts, an affiliate of Seven Hills Foundation, has as it mission increasing access, participation, and representation of people with disabilities in arts and culture. They work with students, teaching artists, educators, and leaders of cultural organizations through inclusive programming, research, training, resources, and exhibits designed to improve access, expand participation, challenge the status quo, and share best practices. Headquartered in Worcester, the Seven Hills Foundation offers a continuum of support and services to 60,000 children, adults, and seniors with disabilities and other life challenges. It is one of the most dynamic and comprehensive health and human services agencies in the country.
