Suggestions to Improve Access and Positive Interactions:

• Offer assistance if you wish, but do not insist
  Always ask before you act, but do not help without permission. If you are not sure what to do, ask the person to explain what would be helpful.

• Focus on the abilities of the person, rather than on the disability
  Be mindful that alternative ways of doing things are often equally effective. Encourage people with disabilities to be their own advocates.

• Be aware of limitations specific to a certain disability, but do not be overprotective
  Do not exclude the person from participating in an activity just because you assume their disability would be a problem. Let them make the decision; do not lower your expectations. There is dignity in being able to take risks. Allow a person with a disability to fail just as you would allow any other person. No one succeeds all the time.

• Make sure that parking areas, restrooms, and buildings in which you provide services or conduct meetings are architecturally and environmentally accessible to all people
  This is crucial to the establishment of a comfortable and equitable relationship with people with a disability. Get expert advice before making expensive structural modifications.

• Accessibility to the full range of services you provide is legally required
  Review your programs and reading materials. Are they diverse enough to reach all levels of ability? Is the content accessible to people with hearing, visual, or learning disabilities? (e.g.audiotapes, audiovisuals, large print).

• Conduct outreach efforts to publicize your programs to people with disabilities
  Allow time for them to become fully aware of your services and develop trust in your efforts.

• Ask a person with a disability to facilitate disability awareness training sessions
  with staff to promote positive attitudes. Locate materials and have it available for learning more about disability related issues.

• Involve people with disabilities
  on advisory boards, planning committees, in positions of authority, and in the planning and presentation of all sponsored programs. Actively seek qualified persons with disabilities when hiring for staff positions.

• Assume responsibility for understanding the issues that affect people with disabilities.
  Learn more. Send for information from consumer and disability related organizations, ask for their support, and invite their representatives to speak at meetings.
  

VSA arts of Nevada Please direct questions and comments about VSA arts of Nevada to info@vsan.reno.nv.us

return home