Press Release

Southeast Michigan Cultural Institutions Partner to Form Michigan Alliance for Cultural Accessibility

(Detroit, Mich. – March 20, 2018) – Southeast Michigan cultural institutions are proud to announce they have partnered to form the Michigan Alliance for Cultural Accessibility (MACA), with the mission to become more accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities. Founding institutions include: The Henry Ford, Michigan Science Center, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Zoological Society, Detroit Historical Society, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Arab American National Museum, Edsel & Eleanor Ford House and Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.  CultureSource is also a supporting partner of MACA.  

Initially formed to collaborate on programming for people with autism, MACA now seeks to be a resource for institutions looking to provide better access to all of their guests.  By sharing resources and experiences, leveraging expertise, refining best practices and building institutional capacity, MACA aims to help institutions involved increase accessibility for people with disabilities, therein providing better experiences for every guest. 

“It is only natural for us to join forces with the Michigan Alliance for Cultural Accessibility as we work hard every day to create and sustain an accessible and inclusive environment for our guests, staff and volunteers and a workforce that represents our community,” said Ron Kagan, Detroit Zoological Society executive director and CEO.  “Just as we value, are committed to and celebrate the diversity of the animal world, we also value and are committed to the wonderful diversity of our human communities.”

“We want all members of our community to experience the museum fully,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA Director. “We are pleased to be in partnership with these other cultural institutions to ensure people of all abilities have easy and comfortable access to the rich cultural resources in our region.”

Meeting quarterly, representatives from institutions involved in MACA not only share best practices and ways of enhancing accessibility, but also take ideas back to their respective institutions to better serve guests of all abilities.  

“The Henry Ford is committed to creating a customizable experience for all of our guests regardless of ability or need,” said Patricia Mooradian, president and CEO of The Henry Ford. “Through the Michigan Alliance for Cultural Accessibility, we can collaborate in ways that work for all institutions involved, enhancing accessibility across the region more effectively than if we acted alone.” 

“The Michigan Science Center is committed to inspiring all children and all communities with STEM, including learners of different abilities,” said President and CEO Dr. Tonya Matthews. “We aim to create an inclusive and comfortable environment for all our visitors.”

“We work every day to be an inclusive and culturally relevant community gathering place where all people can experience their world through music,” said DSO President and CEO Anne Parsons. “Our values clearly align with the goals of the MACA, and we are eager to work with our fellow cultural organizations to further expand access to the arts and improve the quality of life for all in Southeast Michigan.”  

Future plans for MACA include increasing the number and variety of institutions involved and expanding available resources and learning opportunities.   

For more information, visit the recently-launched webpage for MACA at https://www.culturesource.org/resources/accessibility or email miculturalaccess@gmail.com.

About Michigan Alliance for Cultural Accessibility

Michigan Alliance for Cultural Accessibility’s mission is to empower cultural institutions in Southeast Michigan to become more accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities. Founding institutions include: The Henry Ford, Michigan Science Center, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Zoological Society, Detroit Historical Society, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Arab American National Museum, Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, and Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. CultureSource is a supporting partner of MACA.