TOLEDO – The Toledo Museum of Art and the Ability Center of Greater Toledo have signed a memorandum of
understanding establishing a new, multi-year strategic partnership with co-investment by both
organizations.
The collaboration will support ACT and TMA in their efforts to create a community and a museum that
aspire to be the most disability-friendly in the country.
The establishment of the Manager of Access Initiatives position – a new role and the first of its kind at
a major art museum – demonstrates the potential of this unique partnership, as the position will
mutually benefit TMA, ACT and all of Northwest Ohio. This shared role will bring ACT’s knowledge and
resources to the Museum for a period of several years, equipping TMA with the expertise to identify and
systematically eliminate barriers to encounters with art, improving the Museum experience for people
with disabilities at any stage of life.
“Seeking the expertise of the Ability Center as a guide, the Toledo Museum of Art is prioritizing its
vision to become the model among art museums for its culture of belonging,” said Adam Levine, Toledo
Museum of Art Edward Drummond and Florence Scott Libbey director. “The museum is holding itself
accountable to a formal Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion plan, which is being developed
with input from staff, volunteers, board and the community. The strategic partnership with the Ability
Center, unique in our field, strengthens TMA’s efforts to become a more inclusive museum and community
partner. We aim to become the most disability-friendly art museum in the United States.”
“One in four people in the U.S. have a disability that impacts the way they connect with the world around
them, including their experience of fine art and museums,” said Tim Harrington, the Ability Center
executive director. “Everyone has a role in creating a community that is disability friendly; at The
Ability Center, we work to challenge both attitudes and real-world conditions for people with
disabilities. The Ability Center through its supporting organization is investing in this project as
part of its strategic initiatives. We look forward to working with the Toledo Museum of Art to ensure
the Museum fully welcomes the potential and participation of each of its visitors, including those who
live differently.”
Serving at the core of the partnership, the Manager of Access Initiatives will audit museum policies,
procedures, practices and physical plant, making recommendations to incorporate aspects of inclusive
design and enhance accessibility. Following rigorous measurement, assessment and evaluation – and a
determination of demonstrated progress in making TMA more accessible to people with disabilities – the
Manager of Access Initiatives will eventually transition to begin work with another local organization
in a similar strategic partnership.
The job description for the new position will be posted today at toledomuseum.org/jobs, and applications
will be accepted immediately.
Dedicated funding has been identified to implement the recommendations made through the audit process.
“The museum, with generous support from Judith, Joseph and Susan Conda, has funded both the position’s
competitive salary and the costs associated with implementing the Manager of Access Initiatives’
recommendations,” Levine said.
The partnership will simultaneously serve as an ongoing proving ground for the Ability Center’s
initiatives while fueling regional conversations about accessible spaces, inclusive programs and
employment opportunities.
