. The Smithsonian Accessibility Program's "Voices to Access 2000" project,
started by the Accessibility Department at the Institute, began in March 1999.
The institute never had the staff to do it before, said Janice Majewski, the Smithsonian's accessibility coordinator who has been there for 22 years.
"We are a very large organization with 55 separate units," Majewski said. "The Smithsonian needs to remove its barriers to printed materials. We have wonderful resources at the museum and we want to make sure
everyone has access."
Since the Institute requires all printed material be available in alternative formats for people with disabilities, the scope of this project is enormous.
Those people who will benefit from the
project include anyone who can't read standard print because of low-vision difficulties, the legally blind, those with limited mobility or learning disabilities and those who have difficulty turning pages independently.
The mission at hand
The program has two full-time staff and one half-time employee. Its mission is to make sure all of the Smithsonian facilities become accessible to people with disabilities.
This is just one program
that the Smithsonian's accessibility department oversees. It also reviews architectural plans for the Institute and provides direct services such as sign-language interpreters and oral and real-time captioning.
"We also
feel it is important to present a regular lecture series open to the entire Smithsonian staff about accessibility issues, for instance, how to make exhibits more accessible in the design stages," said Majewski.
The staff has learned a lot from the disability community, Majewski said.
"We know we need their feedback," she said. "We need to know what else we can do. We've learned the tricks and tips of describing images
and reorganization of fold out materials and what formats work best."
The task at hand is to get the word out about the program, availability and how to obtain access to the program. The Voices to Access 2000 is one
compliance program in the Institute's diverse efforts.
"We aren't about doing the minimum to just comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards," Majewski said. "The Smithsonian is about
accomplishing all they can to make their facilities and publications available to all people."
Word of mouth
Desire is the motivating force behind the Smithsonian's new programs, Majewski said. That is evident in
the energy, diversity and dedication of volunteers at the Smithsonian, she said.
More than 50 people called for the first training session. Since then, the Institute has recruited by word of mouth. Some staff members take time
off and come down to the accessibility department and read.
"I think it is just the right program at the right time," Majewski said.
The Smithsonian has three sets of volunteers, in-house, ABC News and an ABC
affiliate, WMAL. ABC News came to the Smithsonian to offer its recording facilities and personnel. When WMAL heard about the program, it volunteered its services too. With 46 people at ABC and 20 at WMAL trained so far, their
combined talents include technicians, sales people and radio personalities.
"I had been in commercial radio in Chicago years ago. I volunteer because the work is absorbing, engaging and fun," said Al Schlachtmeyer, a
Smithsonian volunteer. "I love museums myself and the thought of going to a museum and not being able to learn from the exhibits is upsetting.
"Like so many people at the Smithsonian, I believe in this mission,"
Schlachtmeyer said. "I did a demo tape before being accepted into the program as a reader."
He devotes 15 to 18 hours per month between studying the printed material, note taking for the recording session and the
actual recording. While recording, he pictures himself in the museum.
Laurie Gregorio, a Smithsonian volunteer and a person with low-vision, began volunteering two years ago in the accessibility department. She reviews exhibits
for people with low vision.
The Smithsonian has a review board of 14 volunteers who are all either totally or partially blind. They listen to tapes that are recorded by the Smithsonian volunteers and make recommendations.
"Low-vision people just want to maintain their independence," Gregorio said. "As adults, we don't want to regress to the child stage, to wait for others. Whether it's a painting on the wall or news in a magazine, we
want access when we want it."
Labor of love
Scott Rockman, associate publisher of Smithsonian magazine, noted that this project is a cooperative effort between the magazine, the Institute, local radio media
organizations and volunteers to provide a service to people who can benefit.
"The magazine and the Institute are reaching out to as many members and subscribers as possible," Rockman said. "There's no money
involved; this is just a good deed."
Majewski said the program is a labor of love for the staff.
"Most of the staff who work at the Smithsonian work here because they have a passion for their work," she said.
"We are saying, 'How do we share that passion with the disability community?"
