Katie Shelley has been named as the first manager of access initiatives, a role that reports to the Toledo Museum of Art director of belonging and community engagement. Her appointment began on July 6.
“Seeking the expertise of the Ability Center as a guide, TMA is prioritizing its vision to become the model among art museums for its culture of belonging,” said Rhonda Sewell, director of belonging and community engagement. “Katie Shelley’s access knowledge in historical and architectural buildings, and her dedication and advocacy in the field of disability rights makes her an ideal selection for this novel role.”
The position–the first of its kind at a major art museum–is part of a strategic partnership between the TMA and the Ability Center of Greater Toledo. The collaboration supports their efforts to build a community and a museum that are the most disability-friendly in the country. Ms. Shelley will audit museum policies, procedures and practices to recommend ways to incorporate inclusive design and enhance accessibility.
“I am so excited to be taking on the newly-implemented role of manager of access initiatives,” said Ms. Shelley. “As a former employee of the museum, I am thrilled to come back and work to make a Toledo institution that is near and dear to my heart the most accessible and welcoming place it can be for everyone–visitors and staff alike.”
Ms. Shelley holds a master of liberal studies with a concentration in disability studies from the University of Toledo; a master of library and information science from Wayne State University, and a bachelor of arts in English literature from Western Michigan University.
She most recently served as the disability rights advocate for public access and healthcare at ACT, where she provided consultations to local businesses on physical and programmatic accessibility.
