Making the Arts Accessible to Audiences with Disabilities: Focus on Audio and Visual Assistance

For communities to sustain their cultural vibrancy, they cannot afford to ignore any portion of the resources available within the community. Too often, people with disabilities-especially people who are blind or have low vision-are not welcome in a community's cultural institutions simply because programs are not accessible in a meaningful way. Thus, these audiences are unrealized; moreover, people with physical disabilities are left culturally disadvantaged.

Some form of description (generally in theaters or in museums) is minimally available in about 30 states.  Recent legislation mandates description for broadcast television and the Department of Justice actively seeks to ensure access in all public venues.