Accessibility & Programs

Supporting our diverse community

Accommodations

Assistive Listening Devices

 

 

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has 9 Assistive Listening Devices available for all programs in the Atkins Auditorium. You can access these devices by visiting the welcome desk, located in Bloch Lobby.

 

ASL Interpretation and Captioning

Contact us to schedule a sign language interpreter at 816-751-0441 or send an email to asl@nelson-atkins.org . Please allow two weeks’ notice to schedule an interpreter. A select number of programs in Atkins Auditorium have real-time captioning, please look for additional messaging on events.

Color Accessibility

Museum guests who are red-green color blind can check out EnChroma glasses at coat check.

Social Stories/Narratives

Guides are directed toward school age children who are neurodiverse whether they are coming for a tour, an art workshop or a visit with their families.

Family | Tour | Workshop

What to Expect

  • Low lighting: Due to the light sensitivity of many works of art, some galleries require low lighting.
  • Backpack policy: Backpacks must be worn on the front or on one shoulder. Free bag and coat checks are available in Bloch Lobby. (Exceptions are made for medically necessary devices.)
  • Portable stools: Stools are available throughout the galleries and can also be checked out at coat check in Bloch Lobby. They weigh 3.75 pounds and can be carried from gallery to gallery.
  • Service animals: Certified service animals are welcome anywhere in the museum.
  • Noise: Some galleries may feature security alarms, or works of art or interactives that include ambient sound. Quiet spaces are available — please inquire at the Info Desk. Noise-cancelling headphones are available at the coat check counter in Bloch Lobby.
  • Communication aid cards: Available at the coat check counter in Bloch Lobby.

Programs

The Nelson-Atkins offers customized experiences to fit the needs, abilities, and interests of people with disabilities.

Access Programs include tours and customized art classes for groups as well as tours in American Sign Language and public events such as Deaf Cultural Festival.

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Deaf Culture Project

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art was awarded a three-year grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to provide quality, accessible, and inclusive interpretive and educational programs for visitors who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing.

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ASL Vlogs

The Deaf Culture Project will also feature a series of captioned ASL vlogs.

View the Deaf Culture Project playlist below or on the Nelson-Atkins YouTube channel.

Mobility

Most public areas in the museum are wheelchair accessible. The parking garage and museum lobby are fully ADA accessible with direct access from the garage.

Rozzelle Court Restaurant and the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park are partially wheelchair accessible.

Wheelchairs are available at Coat Check on the Lobby Level of the Bloch Building. These are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available in the Bloch Building.

A cart is available to take visitors from the Info Desk to the galleries at the south  end of the Bloch Building and back. The cart is not wheelchair accessible.