Thanks to the determination and vision of staff members Ayanna Davis (Visitor Services) and Jennifer Giddings-Essenmacher (Education), FIA is breaking down barriers that have traditionally kept some community members on the sidelines.
Art for All: The Accessibility Initiative
The newly formed Accessibility Advisory Group – comprised of representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association, The Disability Network, The Federation for the Blind, the Communication Access Center, LaCenas Homecare and the Michigan School for the Deaf – is guiding the museum toward a more inclusive future. “This cross-sector collaboration is already producing powerful results,” Davis said.
Recent efforts include a Deaf-led training on ASL interpretation and Deaf culture, and a field visit to the Henry Ford Museum for a tactile tour and accessibility roundtable. That experience inspired FIA to acquire a Swell Form Graphics printer, a tool that brings visual information to life through touch – an important addition for blind and low-vision visitors.
Partnerships continue to grow. FIA is working closely with The Disability Network to assess and improve physical accessibility throughout the museum. And thanks to a collaboration with Latinx Flint, public lectures are now piloting simultaneous ASL and Spanish interpretation through a new headphone system, ensuring a broader range of community members can engage with live programming.
Tactile learning tools, audio guides, braille resources and multisensory exhibits are just the beginning. “These accessibility upgrades are creating new ways for Deaf, Blind, Low-Vision and Spanish-speaking guests to fully connect with the art – and with each other,” Giddings-Essenmacher said.
Aging with Creativity, Connection & Joy
At the same time, FIA is embracing a different kind of inclusivity – one that celebrates creative aging. Designed for adults 55 and better, the Creative Aging Initiative offers vibrant opportunities for older adults to learn, express themselves and stay engaged through art.
“More than just fun pastimes, these programs support wellness, reduce isolation and encourage continued growth and connection,” Davis said. “Whether it’s a hands-on workshop, a gallery discussion, or simply the joy of making something new, the benefits are far-reaching – and inspiring.”
Creative aging, as FIA sees it, is about more than paintbrushes and pottery wheels. It’s about dignity, vitality and the truth that creativity doesn’t fade – it flourishes with time.
Together, these initiatives reflect FIA’s evolving role as a hub for community connection. “By expanding access and reimagining how we engage with art across all stages of life, the museum is ensuring that everyone – no matter their age, ability or background – feels seen, heard and valued,” Giddings-Essenmacher said.
Because when art is accessible to all, it becomes more powerful for everyone.
