Abstract

This case study investigates disability access at a Midwestern contemporary art museum (MWCAM) in the United States using a nine-step strategy of accessibility for museum visitors published by the American Association of Museums (AAM). The AAM’s guidelines in Everyone’s Welcome: The Americans with Disabilities Act and Museums were designed to assist museums in becoming accessible to all individuals, including people with disabilities. The results of this study reveal that Salmen’s nine-step strategy to accessibility provides sound strategies for museums to implement in order to achieve accessibility in manageable steps. The MWCAM diligently is working toward disability access and has made significant strides to improve disability access through its outreach program for audiences with disabilities. If art museums will utilize Salmen’s nine-steps to disability, not only will museums become more accessible, they also will be better equipped to provide richer learning experiences for all people, not just people with disabilities.