IMLS Museums for America Grant - Accessibility and Inclusion Initiative

Award Recipient: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in partnership with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC)

Program Status: Awarded September 2017

Award Date: 2017

Geographic Scope: Cincinnati, Ohio - local initiative with national potential

Focus Areas:

• Accessibility for individuals with developmental disabilities
• Inclusive museum practices
• Staff training on disability inclusion
• Family engagement and support
• Universal design and accessibility

Project Description:
The Cincinnati Zoo aims to become the nation's most welcoming, accessible, and inclusive zoo for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The project includes:

Training Component:

• Train all 244 full-time staff members
• Train 75 seasonal employees
• Train 50 volunteers
• Partner with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center for expertise

Support Development:

• Work with parents' advisory council
• Develop supports to prepare individuals with developmental disabilities and families for zoo engagement
• Test and evaluate effectiveness of programs

Dissemination:

• Share results through local media
• Networks of disability organizations
• Professional conferences and publications
• Direct collaboration with other cultural institutions

Award Context:
One of 132 projects selected from 558 applications nationally. One of only three grants awarded in Ohio in this funding cycle. IMLS awards Museums for America grants to projects that strengthen the ability of individual museums to serve their public.

Contact Information:

• Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
• 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220
• Phone: (513) 281-4700
• Partner: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC)