DIA Aims To Reach Visitors With Disabilities

DETROIT, MI — The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is partnering with the Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired (GDABVI) and the Deaf Community Advocacy Network (DEAF C.A.N.!) to explore ways to make the museum more accessible for visitors with disabilities.

“Many people with disabilities are looking for accessible arts opportunities and events to attend with family and friends, and we want to put the DIA on their radar,” said Megan DiRienzo, an educator in the DIA’s Interpretation Department.

Working with different departments and community members, the DIA is exploring how the museum could improve accessibility throughout the building, and is planning to partner with several community organizations during the initiative.

“We want the DIA to be a place where all visitors can connect and find personal meaning through art,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA director. “This project aligns perfectly with our vision and allows us to better serve a significant portion of the metro Detroit population.”

Michigan is home to more than 1.4 million people with disabilities, the seventh highest such population in the nation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. About 40% of Michigan residents with disabilities live in Macomb, Oakland or Wayne counties.

“Sometimes when people begin to lose their vision, they struggle to find meaning in their life,” said Mary Beth Kullen, community outreach coordinator at the Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired. “The DIA’s efforts to ensure all exhibitions and programs are inclusive are very positive and an encouragement for people who are blind.”

“Removing barriers to accessibility is a key factor in addressing the oppression the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind community faces,” said Lindsay Ososki, a DEAF C.A.N.! representative. “It is so incredibly important that they be exposed to art and culture.”

Throughout this initiative, the DIA is learning firsthand about the challenges that prevent people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, blind or have cognitive or mobility disabilities from enjoying art with their friends and families through various focus groups.

“Our focus groups shared very personal and thoughtful input about how the DIA can make the museum more accessible to them,” DiRienzo said.

The DIA will continue its accessibility partnership efforts over the next two years to consider new programs and resources for those with disabilities, training for DIA staff and building updates. The DIA also plans to share the focus group results with the Michigan Association of Cultural Accessibility in order to help other organizations with accessibility.

“The DIA is making accessibility and inclusivity a priority in our daily and institutional thinking, and that conversation began with the community,” Salort-Pons said. “We are excited to join other metro Detroit organizations in working toward making our facilities more accessible.”

The DIA has received valuable suggestions from focus groups and welcomes additional feedback from community members. Feedback and ideas can be sent to accessibility@dia.org.