The walker art center will reduce barriers for visitors with disabilities by planning and implementing interpretive tools and programs for learners with disabilities

The Walker Art Center was awarded a $552,581 Project Grant by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Museums for America (MFA) program. The grant will fund the development and implementation of interpretive tools and programs to reduce barriers for visitors with disabilities at the museum. Key activities include: 1) Developing an updated interpretation plan, 2) Designing and producing new interpretive resources and materials, 3) Conducting community engagement, and 4) Expanding accessibility programming. The project team will work closely with an advisory group, community partners, an evaluation consultant, and an accessibility design firm. The grant aims to incorporate guidelines for accessible interpretation and programming, create new tools and resources to support visitors with disabilities, and increase access to arts experiences through museum exhibitions. The grant period runs from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2027.

Project activities will include the development of an updated interpretation plan, the design and production of new interpretive resources and materials, community engagements, and the expansion of accessibility programming. The project team will work closely with an advisory group, community partners, an evaluation consultant, and an accessibility design firm on the development of interpretive tools. As a result, the museum will benefit by incorporating guidelines for accessible interpretation and programming, along with new tools and resources to support visitors with disabilities, and visitors with disabilities will gain increased access to arts experiences through museum exhibitions.