Accessibility

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ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

The Utah Division of Arts & Museums (UA&M) is committed to creating an agency culture of accessibility for all Utahns. We acknowledge all individuals should have equal access to our programs and services. We recognize the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil right by law. We will unceasingly strive to comply with this law and go beyond. UA&M will also serve as a resource and guide for accessibility work at cultural organizations across the state. We recognize this work as a journey, never complete.

Our agency uses the National Endowment for the Arts Venue Accessibility Checklist as a guide to evaluate the accessibility of venues we use when hosting events, workshops, meetings, and more. We encourage all cultural entities to use the list to help guide their decision-making and ensure accessibility for all.

Please use this form to let us know how we can do better with meeting accessibility needs as an agency.

Learn more about Breaking Barriers: A Cultural Accessibility Project, our partnership with Art Access.

About Sensory Rooms

The Utah Division of Arts & Museums (UA&M) is dedicated to building a culture of accessibility for all Utahns—striving to go beyond ADA compliance. Accessibility is an ongoing journey, and sensory rooms play a vital role by giving everyone an opportunity to participate in arts and cultural programming. Learn more about our sensory room initiative below.

what is a sensory room?

Sensory safe spaces, sensory rooms, and sensory safe rooms are designated spaces that provide individuals with a low-traffic, quiet space to help regulate sensory input. They provide a valuable resource for everyone. Designed with soothing lighting, tactile elements, and low auditory stimulants, sensory rooms offer a calm, safe environment for relaxation, stress relief, and emotional well-being. For individuals who identify as neurodivergent or may have sensory processing challenges, these spaces also provide targeted tools and activities to support self-regulation.

Objects in a sensory room

Possible resources in a sensory room may include:

  • Noise-canceling headphones
  • Weighted lap blankets
  • Tactile wall panels
  • Fidget tools
  • Yoga mats
  • Bean bags and floor cushions
  • Therapy balls
  • Sunglasses
  • Bubble tube
  • Fiber optic lights
  • Acoustic dividers
  • Sound machine

Benefits of a sensory room

Expands Accessibility and Inclusion:
Opens your doors to the 15–20% of the population with sensory processing needs, including individuals with autism, ADHD, PTSD, dementia, and anxiety.

Boosts Attendance:
Guests are more likely to purchase tickets when they know a sensory safety net is available.

Extends Visit Times and Participation:
Provides guests with a safe place to decompress so they can return to enjoy the full event or program instead of leaving early.

Restores Focus and Performance:
Increases engagement and readiness to participate by up to 56% through a quick reset.

Dramatically Reduces Stress:
Spending just 15 minutes in a calm, low-stimulus space can cut stress levels by up to 60% and prevent severe burnout.

Promotes Care:
Demonstrates a clear commitment to mental well-being.

Builds Strong Community Trust:
Signals that your organization genuinely values belonging and accessibility, generating positive word-of-mouth and strong community loyalty.

For more information, please contact us at [email protected].