From Autism to Alzheimer’s The Cincinnati Art Museum Makes Art Accessible To Everyone

Housing over 67,000 pieces of artwork makes the Cincinnati Art Museum a destination drawing admirers from all walks of life.  Being one of the oldest art museums in the United States they have mastered the unique skill of creating experiences to accommodate visitors of varying abilities.  Check out the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Accessibility Tours that are cost-free programs geared to make art accessible for all their guests.

Autism Family Exploration

Families that have a loved one with Autism can often time find it difficult to discover new programs and events that are specially focused for a child with Autism.  Once a month the Cincinnati Art Museum opens its doors early for Autism Family Exploration.  This allows families and individuals with a developmental disorder the opportunity to explore the museum before the public.

Upon arriving families or the individual is given a sensory-friendly map that can be used to help navigate the museum. This is also a visual scavenger hunt. This map indicates where there are hands-on activities, quiet spaces, noisy spaces and wheelchair accessibility.  Sensory headphones and fidget toys can be picked up at the Rosenthal Education Center if needed.  Special hands-on learning centers are situated throughout the museum for families to visit at their leisure.  There is always an opportunity to make art in the Rosenthal Center that has been geared for autistic individuals.

Touch Tours

On the second Saturday of the month, the Art Museum offers a special program for guests who are blind or partially sighted.  Patrons and their families are given the opportunity to experience the museum by seeing art with their fingertips. Specially trained guides provide verbal descriptions and leads the participants throughout the touch tour. Reservations are not required for this tour, but they are recommended.

Memories in the Museum

Having a loved one with dementia can make getting out of the house difficult. The Cincinnati Art Museum has partnered up with the Taft Museum of Art, Contemporary Arts Center and the Alzheimer Association to offer a program that has been developed precisely for individuals that have been affected by dementia.  Select Wednesdays visitors with memory loss and their caregivers are offered a tour designed particularly for them. Light refreshments are provided and the opportunity to participate in an art project.  Reservations are not required but are recommended.  Long-term care facilities should reach out to the museum to schedule a visit or make reservations for this event.

Connect

A program designed for adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers is offered on the fourth Saturday of the month.  Special museum docents will guide visitors through the museum as they get the chance to experience art from a multi-sensory angle.

ALS Interpretation

On the third Saturday of the month at 1 p.m. a certified American Sign Language interpreter will join the museum guide for a tour through one of the special exhibitions. Reservations are recommended, but not required.

A Few More Tidbits  About The Cincinnati Art Museum Accessibility Tours

• The museum has a special entrance for wheelchairs and strollers which is conveniently located next to the accessibility parking.  Follow signs for the DeWitt Entrance on the east side of the museum. Elevators are located directly inside the entrance.
• The museum does have a limited number of wheelchairs that can be used free of charge.
• Families in need of a wheelchair accessible bathrooms can be found on three different floors of the museum.
• Families or individuals who are not able to make one of the accessibility tours can set up a custom time with the museum staff.
• Service animals are welcome at the museum.

The above programs are a sampling of the special programs that the Cincinnati Art Museum has designed to open the world of art to all people.  Ensure that you check their website as times and dates of programs may change.  An entire series of events and programs are dedicated especially for children ranging from infant to teenager.  To read about our experience with the Baby Art Tours click here.

We would like to thank the Cincinnati Art Museum for sponsoring this post and offering a phenomenal selection of programs. 

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