Commitment to Accessibility
The Metropolitan Regional Arts Council does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. We at MRAC strive to exceed ADA guidelines by providing accessibility services and accommodations proactively, adapting our current processes and policies to remove barriers to equal access, and developing new activities with accessibility in mind at the outset. We are committed to expand our internal capacity, and the capacity of the artists and organizations we support, so that people of all abilities are assured access to the arts.
Access Coordinator & Contact
Please email Scott Artley at scott@mrac.org or call 651-523-6384 to connect about your needs. You may also contact the main administrative line at 651-645-0402 or mrac@mrac.org. Office hours are generally 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Building & Facilities
As of March 2020, MRAC does not host activities or operations at a physical location. When activities are held in-person, the event description will include all accessibility details about that space.
Access Services
MRAC works to ensure that grant guidelines, workshop presentations, and any other written materials are created with accessibility principles in mind. Additionally, we are happy to provide materials in Braille, Large Print, or other formats with advanced notice that varies according to format, from one week to on-demand, but even if the published notice timeline has elapsed, we may still be able to accommodate the request.
The MRAC website uses an accessibility plug-in that allows the user to select various options to improve their experience, from increasing text size and contrast to changing font type. On each grant webpage there is a link to the guidelines in a text format that is friendly to screen readers. This text format also allows you to easily adjust the font size in your browser.
For in-person events, we will make accommodations for dietary needs and fragrance sensitivity (two days’ advance notice requested).
Virtual Programs Accessibility
Some MRAC activities are offered in virtual/online formats, typically using Zoom, a virtual conferencing software available for free download, or available (with limited functionality) in your browser. Participants may also call in via phone to participate. Visit zoom.us or find it on your device’s app store to download and make your account before the meeting begins.
Live automated captioning is always available: Learn how to enable captions on Zoom. Live human-generated captions, live American Sign Language interpretation, and related written materials provided in advance are available for most activities upon request. Recorded events (like grant information workshops and panel orientations) are available on MRAC’s YouTube channel with captions. For activities led by MRAC staff, presenters will describe all visual elements of presentations verbally.
Application Assistance
MRAC requests that all applicants apply online unless a disability prevents them from doing so. The company that makes the online application software MRAC uses, Foundant Technologies, suggests using NVDA, a screen reader software compatible with Windows available for free download.
Applicants with disabilities wishing to use other means to apply can work with MRAC staff to adapt our typical processes to ensure you have equal opportunity to submit an application. Solutions we have previously implemented include filling out an adapted form in Microsoft Word, and providing verbal responses that MRAC will share via audio recording or transcribe. To begin a conversation about how we can help, please contact the program director for the grant opportunity you wish to pursue, or connect with Scott Artley at scott@mrac.org or 651-523-6384.
Accessibility Resources for Arts Organizations
If you would like to learn more about making your organization accessible to people with disabilities, please visit Accessibility Resources for Arts Organizations.