NEW
YORK, April 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --
Understood.org, the nonprofit dedicated to supporting the
70 million people in the United
States with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and
dyslexia, is excited to announce a new partnership with the
Brooklyn Museum. This collaboration, with one of the oldest,
largest, and most dynamic museums in the
United States, aims to make cultural institutions like
museums more welcoming and accessible to everyone, regardless of
their differences.
People are becoming more aware of diversity all the time. Even
so, Understood.org's Neurodiversity and Social Media Study revealed
that more than half of Americans (58%) say they don't have a clear
understanding of neurodivergence. This makes it more challenging to
meet individual needs in places like museums. With over 650,000
people visiting the Brooklyn Museum annually through its free
admission policy, it's crucial to develop and design inclusive
experiences that will let everyone enjoy their visit.
As part of this collaboration, Brooklyn Museum staff received
comprehensive training from Understood.org. This included a
wide-ranging toolkit of materials and several workshops held over
two months. Topics included:
- Understanding neurodivergence and sensory information
- Addressing implicit bias and ableist language
- Fostering a supportive culture for all
- Organizing inclusive events
Through these efforts, the Brooklyn Museum aims to break down
barriers and enhance its offerings, with a goal of creating a more
inclusive environment for all visitors.
"Understanding neurodiversity and its implications within your
teams, potential recruits, and audience holds the power to
significantly transform a workplace," said Nathan Friedman, Understood.org's co-president
and chief marketing officer. "We're excited to be partnering with
the Brooklyn Museum to support staff members in meeting the diverse
needs of neurodivergent individuals."
"We recognize the importance of ensuring our spaces and
activities are welcoming to all individuals, including those with
learning and thinking differences, and are thrilled to join forces
with Understood.org to enhance accessibility and inclusivity
within our institution," said Keonna
Hendrick, Brooklyn Museum's director of diversity, equity,
inclusion, and access. "Through our partnership, we're committed to
implementing strategies that will set a new standard in nurturing a
culture of support and acceptance."
By working together, Understood.org and the Brooklyn Museum are
leading the way in making cultural institutions more welcoming and
accessible for everyone. For more information about partnering with
Understood.org, please visit u.org/partner.
About Understood.org
Understood.org is a
nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference. We raise
awareness of the challenges, skills, and strengths of people who
learn and think differently. Our resources help people navigate
challenges, gain confidence, and find support and community so they
can thrive. Together, we can build a world where everyone can reach
their full potential. Understood.org is a 501(c)(3) organization
headquartered in New York. For more information, to donate, or to
partner with us, visit u.org/media and follow us
@UnderstoodOrg.
About Brooklyn Museum
At the Brooklyn Museum, art is a
vital force for personal transformation and social change. For 200
years, the Museum has expanded the definitions of art and what it
means to be a museum, by revealing untold stories and uplifting our
shared humanity. Among the oldest, largest, and boldest art museums
in the United States, the Brooklyn
Museum holds an encyclopedic collection of over 500,000 objects
representing more than 5,500 years of creativity from cultures
around the globe. Highlights range from ancient Egyptian
masterpieces and world-class American works to our Center for
Feminist Art, the only one of its kind in the country. Housed in a
landmark building in the heart of Brooklyn, the Museum is dedicated to its
communities — both near and far — and remains an advocate
for growth, healing, and social change.
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SOURCE Understood