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PRIORITY #2: ACCESS Prioritize Access for All 

In Akron/Summit, we believe that access to our city’s arts, cultural, and environmental spaces are integral to the health and future of our community—and together, we must work towards intentional inclusion.

We must advance efforts that maximize access to cultural experiences so all Summit County residents and visitors feel like valued guests and welcomed creators of art and culture.

Together, we have work to do. 

Throughout the priorities, you’ll see each labeled with the potential investment required ($ to $$$$) and next steps including, “Implement (I),” “Explore (E),” “Expand (X),” and “Promote (P).”

2.1  Event Accessibility:

Increase accessibility of venues and hubs of culture in Akron

  • Accessibility Task Force: Identify an existing organization or develop an accessibility task force in conjunction with social service partners to ensure events and programs are being planned with accessibility in mind. (E, $$)

    The task force could consider:  

    • Programming for all abilities; 

    • Programs that feature all abilities;

    • Accessible theater seating and stages;

    • Audio capturing;

    • Presence of braille on visual art pieces; 

    • Rules for service animals;

    • Creation and inclusion of sensory-friendly environments within events and cultural institutions; 

    • Accessible restrooms at outdoor events; and

    • Communicating and enhancing existing opportunities and creating new opportunities for appropriate access to accessible transportation at the time of scheduled events and programs.

  • Guest Accessibility Information: Develop a shared accessibility checklist for cultural organizations to increase digital and physical accessibility for people with disabilities. (I, $$)

    Options for the accessibility checklist include: 

    • Is there wheelchair accessibility, if so, what kind?

    • Are accommodations for low vision (visual acuity, light sensitivity, contrast sensitivity, field of vision, color vision) provided, and in what capacity?

    • Is the event sensory inclusive? (Resources, interpreter, tools, etc.)

    • Is material offered in braille?

    • Is the event ASL accessible?

    • What is the policy on therapy animals and emotional support animals?

  • Akron Accessibility Library: In conjunction with social service providers, develop an accessibility library with items such as caption devices, interpreter services, and accessible props available for organizations to rent/borrow. (E, $$$$)

    The accessibility library could include:

    • List of Interpreters

    • Weighted Blankets

    • Headphones

    • Sensory Resources

    • Wheelchair Ramps

    • Caption Devices

    • Microphones

  • Family-and Recovery-Friendly Venues: Support and develop venue options that do not serve alcohol as venues for families, young adults, those in recovery, and others who seek alternative spaces. These venues can include coffee shops, public parks, libraries, community centers, and faith-based organizations. (E, X, P $$$)

“We’ve never been asked what we need before. People usually forget about us when they are doing big community projects.”
— UDS Focus Group Comment

2.2 Digital Accessibility:

Collaborate to create greater accessibility on digital platforms

  • Inclusive Digital Experiences: Establish a policy inside our community cultural organizations to monitor and audit websites on an ongoing basis. Since the internet is a critical way to serve and inform consumers and our community, the audit should encompass requirements set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and move beyond this baseline requirement to further increase accessibility for all. (I, $$$)

    Examples of how this work can extend beyond mandates include:

    • Feature people of all abilities in marketing efforts and online

    • Include videos that clearly show how consumers can access the venue or organization

    • Leverage and access Akron Stock to feature people of all abilities

  • Assistive Technology: Provide free assistive technology (AT) to cultural organizations, as needed, including a suite of tools that can assist someone in activities like typing or controlling a mouse using voice commands, hearing all the words on the screen read aloud, or magnifying the screen to make it more visible to them.  (E, $$$$)

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