Rochester Museum & Science Center | Inclusive Rec Database

Section C: Administrative Practices

Agency Mission and Values

Does the agency mission clearly reflect a belief about inclusion of people with disabilities and other differences?

Yes

Do agency vision and values articulate support for inclusion of people with disabilities and other differences?

Yes

Comments/additional information about agency mission:

This museum works with ARC when setting up exhibits to help them be as accessible as possible for a variety of people.

Staff

Does upper administration (e.g., board of directors, administrators, managers) show support for inclusion?

Yes

Is a point of contact or ADA coordinator designated to coordinate inclusion at the agency? (preferably a certified therapeutic recreation specialist)

Yes

Contact Information

Heather Esen, Senior Manager, Information and Reservations, Guest Services hesen@rmsc.org

Are managers and front line staff trained in disability awareness & inclusion as a routine part of staff training?

Yes

If yes, list main topics covered in training

Topics include how to support visitors who have a disability, inclusion and accessibility for the museum as well as children's school.

When observed, or when asked in an interview, do staff members interact with people with disabilities in a helpful and respectful manner?

Yes

Comments/additional information about agency staff:

Staff are very friendly and more than willing to make accomodations for people with disabilities.

Agency Planning

Are people with disabilities and/or their families involved in agency planning efforts? (e.g., board of directors, advisory board, public input)

Yes

If yes, list types of involvement/input:

People with disabilities are called in to test new exhibits to see how user-friendly and accessible they are. Agency works wit the ARC of Monroe and NRI when planning exhibits. The agency has also received a grant specifically for the purpose of creating inclusive and accessible museum exhibits and displays.

Is the agency involved in ongoing plans for inclusion and accessibility?'

Yes

If yes, has the agency made progress on identified areas in plan?

Yes

Agency Communication and Marketing

Is person first language used in written materials?

Is person first language used in oral communication?

Yes

Are alternative forms of communication available?

Yes

If yes, check the alternative forms of communication available:

Captioned
Large
Pictorial
Sign
Tdd
Large Print
Oral Communication
Close Captioned Video

Do marketing and other printed agency materials reflect inclusion of people with disabilities? (e.g., access information provided, people with disabilities pictured in publications or on web site)

Yes

Is the agency website usable by people of all abilities? (e.g., simple design, consistent navigation, alt text for graphics, high contrast, no flashing/blinking features)

Yes

Comments/additional information about agency communication and marketing:

Agency staff are aware that a text reader may not work well with their website set-up. The agency has discussed it, and is working towards a solution.

Agency Policies and Procedures

Are emergency warning and evacuation procedures in place for safe exit of people with disabilities? (e.g., auditory and visual alarm systems, areas of rescue assistance identified)

Yes

Is all staff trained in the procedures for safe evacuation of people with disabilities in the event of an emergency?

Yes

Is there a written policy about the use of service animals?

Yes

Is there a written policy about the use of motorized mobility devices?

Do personal care attendants attend free when accompanying a person with a disability?

Yes

If applicable, do prices for services accommodate people with financial need?

Yes

If applicable, are special dietary needs met?

N/A

Comments/additional information about agency policies and procedures:

Regarding emergency evacuations, in addition to auditory and visual alarms, information is visible throughout the museum on posted signs and also listed in the museum guide. Staff are trained as safety coordinators, so that they can provide assistance to guests needing stairway assist when exiting the 2nd and 3rd floors.

Evaluation

Does the agency conduct evaluation on an ongoing basis and at the end of programs/services?

Yes

If yes, does evaluation include feedback on inclusion, accessibility or use of supports & accommodations?

Yes

Comments/additional information about agency evaluation of inclusion:

The agency conducts evaluations for all programs and exhibits, both during the programs and again at the end of programs or exhibit displays. The agency also offers a survey online, where guests can provide feedback on content and curriculum. The agency continues to work on developing a distance learning program and virtual tour of the museum via online access.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Does the agency have partnerships with disability and other community organizations?

Yes

If yes, please list:

Comments/additional information about agency partnerships and collaboration:

Kodak ITP, Xerox, RIT, Rochester General Hospital

Notes About Administrative Practices

Any additional administrative practices you noted at the agency that are not listed above that you feel are helpful to people with disabilities and their families:

Administration is very interested in being accessible to a diversity of people. They take into consideration may possible needs when planning exhibits and events.

Rochester Museum & Science Center
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Assessment

Section C: Administrative Practices

Agency Mission and Values

Staff

Agency Planning

Agency Communication and Marketing

Agency Policies and Procedures

Evaluation

Partnerships and Collaboration

Notes About Administrative Practices

Rochester Museum & Science Center Back to Agency

Assessment

Section C: Administrative Practices

Agency Mission and Values

Staff

Agency Planning

Agency Communication and Marketing

Agency Policies and Procedures

Evaluation

Partnerships and Collaboration

Notes About Administrative Practices

Rochester Museum & Science Center
Back to Agency