ADAH: Information for Visitors with Special Needs

INFORMATION

for

VISITORS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

* * *

BUILDING ACCESS GENERAL INFORMATION

The Alabama Department of Archives and History building was built in 1940 and unfortunately access for the disabled public was not a consideration during its construction. With recent completion of the Archives new West wing, and other updates of the original structure, a disabled access entrance at the Adams Ave. entrance was added to provide assistance for the Disabled Visitor.

Our staff and volunteers are committed to making our programs accessible and if assistance is needed, please ask for help. Volunteer receptionists are available at the main lobby information desk and Research Room sign-in desk to answer questions or request staff assistance if needed. The Research Room lockers, microfilm readers, and tables are accessible for disabled visitors. Staff can assist with book retrieval, copying of documents, or other Research Room requests as needed.

To arrange tours or program events to meet your Special Needs, you may call the department tour coordinator, telephone (334) 242-4364.

PARKING FOR DISABLED VISITORS

Five disabled parking spaces are located in the Archives and History parking lot south of the Adams Ave. entrance. parking is free in this lot for Archives visitors. Most of these parking spaces are van-accessible. The city of Montgomery also has some free on-street disabled access 2-hour parking spaces surrounding the Archives building.

BUILDING ACCESS

The Archives and History disabled access entrance ramp is at the Adams Ave. entrance. Use the ramp on the left to gain access to the building at the disabled access doors. Please call ahead at (334) 242-4364 if you have special assistance needs. Wheelchairs are available if needed for use in the building.

SERVICES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED

While visiting the history museum galleries, you may notice many areas have low level lighting. This is necessary to prevent damage from ultra-violet light which can permanently harm paintings, fabrics, etc. To help visually impaired visitors view displays, a kit is available for loan from the lobby reception desk. The kit has a page magnifier to help view displays, and a large print description of the galleries. A braille gallery guide and an audio tape description of displays are also available at the lobby desk. “Touch Carts” are also available upon request for visitors with visual impairments. These carts contain replicas of many items on display in the various galleries. Additionally, there is a “hands-on” interpretive gallery/grandma’s attic where items may be touched.

GUIDE ANIMALS

Guide dogs and other assistance animals are allowed in the Museum and Research room areas. Please check in with the lobby reception desk as you enter the building.

SERVICES FOR HEARING IMPAIRED

Gallery tours are available with advance notice. Scripts for the recorded tours of galleries/special exhibits are also available. Kits with written gallery guides and tour scripts are available at the main lobby desk. Please contact us at sherrie.hamil@archives.alabama.gov at least (10) days in advance of any department program or special event if you require an interpreter.

REST ROOM AND WATER FOUNTAIN ACCESS

Disabled access public rest rooms are located onthe main lobby floor adjacent to the West wing Research Room reception desk. An accessible water fountain is also located there.

ADA GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
The Alabama Department of archives and History does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or provision of services. The department has adopted an internal grievance resolution procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by the U.S. Department of Justice regulations implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Complaints should be addressed to Alabama Department of Archives & History, P.O. Box 30100, Montgomery AL. 36130-0100. Every effort will be made to negotiate a reasonable and equitable solution to any complaint brought against the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Updated: October 13, 2006
http://www.archives.alabama.gov/adaguide.html


	Alabama Department of Archives & History 624 Washington Avenue Montgomery, Alabama 36130-0100 Phone: (334) 242-4435 E-Mail:debbie.pendleton@archives.alabama.gov