With funding from the Department of Justice, the AAM Americans with Disabilities Act Project developed a comprehensive accessibility resource package, including a manual and video that promotes and explains the concept of universal design.  These resources, entitled Everyone’s Welcome, are available through the AAM Bookstore.

From 1995-2003, AAM, in partnership with the National Organization on Disability, gave out an Accessibility Award to museums that made outstanding contributions in the area of accessible exhibit design. 

Accessibility Award winners include:

In 1997, AAM’s AIDS Committee, the Center for Disease Control, and the Labor Resource Service collaborated on an AIDS-resource booth for the annual meeting in Atlanta.  The booth focused on AIDS/HIV issues in the workplace and personnel policies on communicable diseases, including AIDS and HIC.

In 1999, AAM signed a partnership agreement with Very Special Arts, an international nonprofit organization that provides educational opportunities through the arts for people with disabilities.  The collaborative effort included, but was not limited to, AAM encouraging its members to work with their local VSA chapters and VSA providing the association with advisors for a museum-oriented Americans with Disabilities Act advisory council.

Resources

AAM Information Center

Fact Sheet on Accessibility 

The Information Center offers customized reference services, including sample documents, to AAM member museums.  Museums can expect a reply within 48 hours. Member museums may contact the Information Center at infocenter@aam-us.org or 202-289-1818.

AAM Bookstore

"Everyone’s Welcome: The Americans with Disabilities Act and Museums"

(the above title is available in book, audio, video and braille format) 

The AAM bookstore carries several titleson accessibility issues.