Accessibility Glossary

Accessibility Audit – A systematic evaluation of the physical facility, programs, employment policies and practices of an organization to determine the degree to which all aspects of the organization are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Accessibility Audit is the written report of this systematic evaluation.

Accessibility Checklist/Self-Evaluation – An evaluation form designed to identify physical, programmatic and employment barriers that prevent full participation of individuals with disabilities. Note that Accessibility Checklists vary widely in quality and thoroughness and in some instances are designed for purposes at odds with the intent of ADA.

ADA Transition Plan – A detailed outline of specific steps to be taken to achieve physical, programmatic and employment accessibility for individuals with disabilities. At a minimum, a transition plan includes priorities and strategies for removing barriers, priorities, and strategies for making reasonable accommodations, estimating associated costs and establishing time frames for achieving accessibility. The transition plan is based upon needs identified through an accessibility audit.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) – A federal law passed in 1990 that provides for nondiscrimination for persons with disabilities in employment and public accommodations. ADA regulations provide specifications for architectural and programmatic accessibility for persons with disabilities that substantially restrict routine living.

Arts Presenter – An organization that plans, schedules and offers to the public arts events, performances, workshops and other arts activities using artists other than those directly associated with the organization (e.g. “imported” artists).

Arts Producer – A single- or multi-disciplined arts organization that plans, rehearses, and produces arts programs from within its own structure, using artists directly associated with the organization.

Community Cultural Planning – A process for planning the future cultural history of a community. The plan is based on input from persons and/or organizations broadly representative of the community, reflecting their needs and desires in regard to cultural opportunities. Cultural planning addresses the development and maintenance of venues whereby citizens may enjoy the arts, humanities, history, and education at an optimum level.

Community Service Organization – An organization that provides programs, services and support to address social needs of community members, including children, elderly persons, at-risk youth, homeless persons, and others who are needy.

Conflict of Interest – An individual who has a conflict of interest when acting in a position whereby a decision will be made concerning an organization in which the individual has substantial interest. Substantial interest is determined by whether the individual or a family member receives financial benefits, is a board or staff member, or gains to profit in any way from the organization.

Consultant – A person who provides professional advice and services.

Consumable Goods – Supplies or materials that will be used up and depleted within the specified time covered by the NAC grant.

Infrared and Audio Loop Listening Devices – Systems that provide enhanced listening capabilities for persons with hearing disabilities.

Institutionalized Populations – Persons who are confined within the bounds of a facility and unable to leave at will. Those facilities may be non-correctional, such as hospitals and nursing or health care homes, or correctional, such as prisons and other institutions.

Local Arts Agency – A publicly accountable community organization or agency of city or county government that primarily provides cultural planning and development through financial support, services, and multi-disciplinary arts programs for a variety of arts organizations, individual artists and the community as a whole.

Multi-Cultural – A population that is African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic or Latino, Native American, Alaskan Native, or Pacific Islander.

Not-for-Profit Organization – An organization that is legally organized and registered as a not-for-profit corporation with the Nebraska Secretary of State and is current in submitting its annual reports to the Secretary of State’s office.

Operating Support – Funds provided to support an organization’s general operating budget, including both administrative and programming activities.

Prorated Expense/Income – Expenses/funds that are assigned in proportionate amounts to particular projects or portions of an organization’s operation.

Public Agency/Entity – A government entity, such as a department, division or agency of city, county, state, tribal or federal government.

Qualified Application – any application that meets the two eligibility requirements for Qualified Applications.

Qualified Organization – Any organization that meets the four eligibility requirements for Qualified Organizations.

Rural – A community whose population is 20,000 or less.

Statewide Arts Service Organization – An organization that provides education, training opportunities and/or resources that address artistic excellence, organizational development and professional development for a statewide constituent base.

Tax-exempt Organization – An organization that has tax-exempt status with the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS), often as a 501(c)(3) organization, and has been assigned a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).

TDD/TTY – Telecommunications Device for the Deaf.

Under-served Community – A community in which people genuinely lack access to arts programs, services, or resources for geographic, economic, cultural, social-political, or physical.