Design for Accessibility: A Cultural Administrator's Handbook

116 Chapter 6
3. Make certain that knowledgeable individuals with
disabilities help with designing and reviewing all policies,
procedures and practices.
Clearly thought-out policies and procedures go hand-in-hand with well
constructed accessible programs, effective communication and physical
access. Plainly stated policies and procedures help staff members and
volunteers carry out an organization’s plan.
For example: an organization has installed an assistive listening system
in the auditorium, a space normally used to show a video documentary
and occasionally used for a small lecture series. The new policy will state,
“Whenever there is programming of any kind in the auditorium, the assistive
listening system will be turned on and be available for use.”
The new procedures will include activating the system whenever the video
is shown, making sure the system is set up and running during lectures or
other events, having the assistive listening receivers properly maintained
(clean earpieces, fresh batteries) and handing out the receivers from the
information booth just outside the auditorium, starting a half hour before
each event.