People with Special Needs

ArtAccess is a unique program of the Queens Museum of Art designed specifically for visitors with special needs. Launched in 1983 at the Queens Museum of Art as Please Touch to provide art education for the visually impaired, ArtAccess has since grown into a nationally reproduced model program designed to allow audiences with diverse abilities to enjoy a personal connection to works of art. Exposure to the arts plays an essential role in the lives of all people by promoting self-expression and communication. ArtAccess reaffirms the Museum’s commitment to making its services accessible to all visitors, including those with varying physical, emotional and cognitive abilities.

QMA’s ongoing commitment to working with children and adults with varying abilities was recognized in 2008 when the ArtAccess program received the Mayor’s Award to commemorate the 18-year anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This prestigious award is bestowed on individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to increasing accessibility for people with disabilities.

In 2009, ArtAccess received 2 National Awards for Excellence from VSA Arts. VSA arts works with a network of affiliate organizations across the country, that coordinate comprehensive programming in their respective states, working to increase educational opportunities and access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year, VSA arts and its affiliates recognize the organizations and individuals who help make their work possible.The Queens Museum was awarded with the Outstanding Community Partner Award  and Excellence in Leadership Award (ArtAccess Coordinator, Donnielle Rome).

Most ArtAccess programs draw inspiration from the Museum’s permanent exhibitions – The Panorama of the City of New York and The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass — as well as changing modern and contemporary art exhibitions, allowing teachers and program coordinators the flexibility to design an experience based on the needs of the students or clients.

“It’s a great program with great hands on activities for the students. The museum has a lot to offer.”
- Science Teacher from J.H.S 190

“The QMA visits have been well received by our staff, students and hospital administrators throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Our psychiatric and severely handicapped populations, in particular, benefit greatly from the experience and personal attention.”
- Assistant Principal, Hospital Schools, NYC DOE

“Expression is not a disability. It is one’s way of expressing one’s feelings through art. I think that the education department at the Queens Museum does a wonderful job for the special children that come and show what they can do.”
- Parent of 10-year old student

“This program makes me feel that if I continue to create art, I can possibly have one of my pieces in the museum someday.” - Student from J.H.S. 190

“The program is very motivating and enhances our children’s stimulation, their ability to communicate, especially through the arts, and is structured to motivate the wide range of populations that we serve.”
- Teacher at PS 23Q at St. Mary’s Children Hospital

For additional information on the Museum’s Special Needs: ArtAccess initiatives or to book programs, please phone (718) 592-9700 ext.136 or ext.138, or email: access@queensmuseum.org.