Board's accessibility committee recommends NEA-aligned definition, flags grantee reporting risk

The Wisconsin Arts Board's accessibility committee recommended the board adopt an initial definition of accessibility aligned with the National Endowment for the Arts' approach: focusing outreach and programs on people with disabilities, older adults, veterans and people living in institutions.

Bill (committee chair) presented three state examples and recommended using the NEA definition as a practical baseline. He said the narrower starting definition would better align the board with federal practice and provide a manageable scope for the committee's limited capacity; the committee may broaden the definition later.

Committee members also raised concerns that some grantees have not fully completed accessibility reporting. Staff warned that incomplete accessibility reporting could create audit exposure; the committee asked staff to explore options for validated reporting tools and to discuss reasonable accommodations with grantees.

The committee discussed Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) principles, including reasonable accommodation; staff noted accommodations do not require changes that impose undue hardship, and that venue changes or alternate strategies may be appropriate for smaller organizations. Staff said they will investigate NEA-approved platforms and other reporting tools and present recommendations at a future committee meeting.