Special Needs

My husband and I are grandparents and great-grandparents to two special needs children. In addition, my husband worked with special needs individuals for many years, so together we are both well aware of the challenges faced by “special needs families”.

In our family, we have Mason, now nearly 13 years old, who is severely autistic, mostly non-verbal, yet still an active loving boy who brings joy to his family every day — despite the occasional “melt-downs”. We also have William, who is 9 years old. He was born with a genetic condition called PMG — polymicrogyria — which results in developmental delays, possible seizures, and definitely many medical challenges.

Because of our closeness to the “special needs” community, I think perhaps my husband and I think more about how individuals with challenges such as these are able — or in many instances, unable – to experience the world around them. Many facilities host certain “special needs” days — such as the Kansas City Zoo which has a yearly “autism day” event, or Chuck E. Cheese pizza, which offers special times for “sensory needs” guests.

Currently, as you know, my husband and I are both also experiencing our own limitations. Visual impairment has caused me to step back from drawing and painting for a time, yet it was only recently that i began to think about vision problems from the other side — not as an artist, but as a viewer of art.

Is it possible for someone with limited vision, or someone who is blind, to truly know, understand, and appreciate art? I was so happy to find that, yes, many galleries make provisions for individuals with a variety of special needs, not just low-vision, but also individuals who have mobility issues, hearing loss, and other special needs, such as autism or other disorders.

This comes about partly because of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination and requires equal access to public programs and services. While I haven’t done extensive research on the topic, a quick bit of browsing assures me that the following institutions do provide “special needs” services for visitors:

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Museum of Modern Art
• The Smithsonian Institution
• The National Gallery of Art
• The Getty Center
• The Art Institute of Chicago

In addition, the National Endowment for the Arts provides a great deal of information on accessibility in arts programs and displays.

Together, now, let’s take a quick look at some of the accommodations provided for those who have special needs:

Mobility Issues

Ramps and wheelchair access make it possible for people with poor mobility to tour museums and galleries in a comfortable manner. Parking garages make it easy to access the facilities through elevators rather than stairways, and inside the facility elevators provide access to all floors. Most auditoriums also have a separate “wheelchair” area.

Personal wheelchairs or other mobility devices are always welcome, and most institutions also provide use of manual wheelchairs at no charge. Other devices — such as scooters, walkers, canes, and braces — are permitted, although there may be certain restrictions.

The Art Institute of Chicago has a policy that prohibits some mobility devices:

“In order to ensure the safety of our visitors as well as the artwork, other types of mobility devices, including tricycles, carts, hoverboards, and Segways, are not permitted. For those whose mobility device is not permitted, the museum has a number of manually operated wheelchairs available free of charge. We will store any electric or battery-operated devices in a nonpublic area during your visit.”

Hearing Issues

While we think of art institutions as “visual experiences”, a lot of education is provided through films, talks, and other interactive programs. Individuals with hearing loss may find it difficult to participate in these events without assistance.

Fortunately, a great deal of assistance is available. Although I’m not familiar with “Assistive Learning Systems”, most large museums and galleries are equipped with this technology. Audio guides with written transcripts may be provided, and closed captioning may be used to ensure that all visitors can fully access information. ASL — American Sign Language — interpreters may also be available.

Vision Impairment

It was my own vision problems that first led me to research this topic, and I was happy to learn about the many different ways people with limited vision may still experience art. Many galleries have special programs for sight-impaired people, including material walls and rubbing pattern designs — learn more with this information from The Art Institute of Chicago — along with mobile apps and audio tours. Emphasis is placed on “touching” — not the actual artworks, of course, but various textiles and other tactile materials.

Consider, for a moment, the tactile experience one might get from Renoir’s “Two Sisters on a Terrace” — one painting that is included in Chicago’s “visual impairment” program.

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Autism and Sensory Disorders

Different facilities offer many different programs and events. Some have put together “sensory guides” to highlight areas which are usually quieter than others, or to point out the locations of special “sensory” exhibits — similar to those for vision impairment.

Other galleries — such as the Museum of Modern Art — have designated monthly programs designed for those with developmental disorders. Their “Create Ability” program is a free service.

“Create Ability is a monthly program welcoming individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with their families and friends, to explore works on view and create artwork together. In each session, participants focus on a different theme during interactive activities in the Museum’s galleries and classrooms.”

Other Limitations

Some galleries — such as the Museum of Modern Art — also include programs and exhibitions designed specifically for dementia patients and individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s, as well as special assistance and accommodations for older adults.

Overall, I was delighted to discover so many ways in which galleries and museums are making art accessible for all — from family friendly restrooms to special programs for the aged, from active learning centers for all children to special accommodations for those with special needs. Art is an incredible experience, one that everyone should be able to enjoy, despite any challenges or impairments we may have.

And what about service dogs? Yes, according to the ADA, service dogs must be allowed the same access as their handlers. The Art Institute of Chicago welcomes service animals, yet there may be some restrictions. Please check with any facility you’ll be visiting to ensure that your service animal will be allowed. Questions include the type of “service” provided and “emotional support” animals or “therapy” animals may not be permitted.

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As a final note, if you require any form of special assistance in order to visit an art gallery or museum, please call them to discuss your requirements. They will work with you to ensure that your visit is as convenient and comfortable as possible, and that you are able to fully experience and enjoy the exhibitions to the best of your abilities.

I am grateful for the time and care shown by these organizations to help make art available to everyone.