With these pages, ASTC seeks to support science centers and museums in their ongoing efforts to open their doors to all people, and specifically to people with disabilities and their families and friends. These pages will change and grow as we find resources and new ways to help science centers and museums become more accessible. We start with Museums' Legal Obligations , summarizing federal accessibility laws. The Disability Rights Movement section directs you to relevant web sites presenting the issues as well as the people involved in this struggle for civil rights. Access Advisors suggests where to recruit people with personal and professional experience with various disabilities and how to involve them as advisors.
Funding provides links to foundations, and federal and state agencies that fund access projects.
Behind the Scenes highlights people who exemplify successful practices. The Resources list provides links to topics covered on these web pages. Just as these pages are intended to support ASTC member institutions to welcome and accommodate visitors with disabilities, ASTC and six science centers are co-hosting 12 Accessible Practices Workshops during the period 2000 to 2002. Half of the workshops will focus on facilities and visitor services, and half on interactive exhibits. These workshops provide opportunities for museum professionals to learn from ADA professionals and people with various disabilities, and to network with colleagues from other institutions in their region.