Board adopts bylaws changes to add accessibility committee; committee backs three‑year grantee self‑assessment

The Wisconsin Arts Board approved three proposed amendments to its bylaws, including language that adds an Accessibility Committee as a standing committee and clarifies the board’s annual meeting timing and technology terms.

Board members said the Accessibility Committee will use National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) guidance to define priority groups and to promote accessibility best practices across board programs and grantee work. The committee recommended that grantees complete a self‑assessment of accessibility every three years; the board endorsed the bylaw changes by a voice vote.

Why it matters: Making accessibility a standing committee and asking grantees to perform periodic self‑assessments changes how the board will oversee equity and inclusion in grants and outreach. The committee framed the self‑assessment as a capacity‑building exercise rather than a punitive requirement.

What the board approved: Brian (board member) presented the bylaws committee’s package of amendments: (1) adjust language to match current practice for scheduling the annual meeting, (2) modernize technology terminology, and (3) add an Accessibility Committee and state its mission. Gil (board member) described that the committee leaned on NEA definitions to identify priority populations (people with disabilities, older adults, veterans and people living in institutions) while also building flexibility to serve other groups.

Accessibility committee recommendations and rationale: Bill (board member) and committee members said the self‑assessment requirement is intended to be practical and aid organizations in improving access. The committee noted that using tools such as the Open Door for the Arts self‑assessment typically takes an organization one to two hours and that spreading the requirement over a three‑year cadence reduces annual burden.

Board action: A motion to accept the three proposed amendments passed after a second; the meeting minutes show the group voted “aye” and the motion carried.

Next steps: The board has added the Accessibility Committee as a standing committee; the committee will identify outreach targets, resource materials, and potential recruitment of additional…