Navigating Accessibility in Cultural Spaces: APGA Webinar Insights

In an era where inclusivity forms the cornerstone of public engagement, ensuring accessibility in communication is not just a legal requirement, but a moral imperative. This rings especially true for botanical gardens, museums, and other cultural institutions, which are beacons of knowledge and culture. Recognizing this need, the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) recently hosted a webinar titled “Everyone’s Included: Increasing Language and Communication Accessibility,” underscoring their commitment to breaking down barriers to accessibility.

The Evolution of Accessibility

The development of accessibility as a societal priority is highlighted by the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Enacted in 1990, ADA was intended to ensure equal access and prohibit discrimination based on differing abilities. It has since continued to evolve, expanding its scope to include areas like digital accessibility. However, accessibility transcends legal compliance. It extends to offering choices that benefit everyone, like curb cuts useful not just for wheelchair users but also for parents with strollers.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar

What does accessibility in language and communication entail for your institution? This webinar, led by Eriksen’s Director of Sales Will Lach, along with experts in ASL interpreting and braille, presents practical, achievable steps toward removing language and communication barriers. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• Holistic Accessibility: Accessibility isn’t just about adhering to regulations; it’s about meaningful engagement. The webinar delves into diverse methods like translation, live Zoom ASL interpreting, and captioning, emphasizing that accessibility is not an all-or-nothing approach but a spectrum of solutions.
• Starting Small: Overwhelmed about where to begin? The webinar offers pragmatic advice on starting with manageable steps, such as translating key materials or printing reuseable braille brochures. It’s about gradual, sustainable inclusion.
• Community Engagement: Discover how to effectively communicate your institution’s accessibility features. By utilizing QR codes, adding accessibility symbols to your marketing materials, and engaging community organizations, you can spread the word about your accessibility offerings.

A Call to Action

As we navigate the complexities of language and communication accessibility, we invite you to view the recorded webinar here for a more thorough look at these topics. By embracing these best practices in accessibility, we not only comply with legal standards but also enrich the visitor experience, making it inclusive and welcoming for all.

While the APGA webinar covers various aspects of accessibility, our focus at Eriksen is on bridging language barriers. Along with accessibility services, we provide high-quality translation, interpretation, and multimedia localization to ensure your message reaches and resonates with a diverse audience. Reach out to our team to discuss your language and accessibility needs. Together, we can create spaces that reflect the diversity and richness of our communities.