Accessibility Accommodations

There is currently only one entrance. There is a curb cut that connects the parking lot to the sidewalk. Staff are available to assist in opening the manual doors. Please just call 940-553-1848 and we will be happy to help!

Two standard-size manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. They can be brought to the entrance by staff. To reserve a mobility device for use in the museum in advance, please contact 940-553-1848 or cooper@rrvmuseum.org

Our facility, built in the 1980s, is not yet fully updated to current accessibility standards. However, we do offer two gendered, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. We are committed to improving our facilities and bringing them up to current ADA standards. If you’d like to support our efforts to create a more accessible museum, please consider donating to our accessibility fund HERE.

Food or drink in sealed containers can be carried in a bag, stroller, mobility aid, pockets, or stored with staff at the front desk. No open food or drink containers are permitted within the gallery spaces. Food and beverages may be consumed in lobby space. Trash cans are available in the lobby to dispose of empty containers.

• In the Berry Gallery there is a motion activated “thunderstorm” that cues brief flashing overhead lights. This sensor can be covered prior to your entry upon request.

• Certain galleries are dimly lit to protect light-sensitive objects. Small flashlights or flashlights embedded in a smartphone may be used to navigate these areas.

Upon request the museum can offer virtual tours. Please contact 940-553-1848 or cooper@rrvmuseum.org at least two weeks prior to schedule a virtual tour.

• Only working service animals, in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act are allowed at the museum. Under the ADA, “a service animal is a dog that has been individually trained to work or perform tasks for assisting a person with a disability.” Service dogs are working animals, not pets. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Pets, comfort animals, emotional support or therapy animals are not permitted at the museum

• Guest/handler for the service dog is solely responsible for the care and control of their animal. According to the ADA, a person with a disability who uses an assistance animal is liable for any damages done to the premises or facilities by the animal.

• As stipulated by the ADA, museum staff may request that a service dog experiencing difficulty or endangering others through it's behavior, be removed from the museum immediately. We ask that you promptly comply with any such request for the safety and welfare of all.

Un intérprete de habla hispana puede estar disponible para darle un recorrido. Como todos nuestros intérpretes son voluntarios, avise con al menos 2 semanas de antelación para garantizar su disponibilidad durante el tiempo de su recorrido o programa.

• Accessible parking is available. Wheelchair and stroller entry is available via our main entrance. If assistance is needed to open the entrance doors please call 940-553-1848 and staff will be happy to assist you.

• Wheelchairs are available for use free of charge at the main entrance. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For questions or assistance, please approach any staff member. Motorized wheelchairs are permitted. Unfortunately, pull wagons are not permitted in the museum.

We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors. While we are in the process of adding sensory-friendly tools like headphones and stim toys, our staff is happy to accommodate the needs of guests with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Please let us know how we can make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable. We’re here to assist and ensure your experience at the museum is positive and fulfilling.

Sighted tour guides are available to all visitors. Upon request staff will happily conduct more descriptive tours of our exhibits.

American Sign Language (ASL) can be made available for all public programs. As our interpreters are all volunteer please provide at least 2 weeks notice to ensure their availability during your tour time or program. Please call 940-553-1848 or email cooper@rrvmuseum.org at least two weeks prior to schedule your visit.

At the Red River Valley Museum, we believe that everyone deserves to experience and engage with history, culture, and art. We are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment that respects and values the diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives of all visitors, staff, and volunteers.

Our dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion guides our efforts to:

• Promote Accessibility: Ensure that our programs, exhibits, and facilities are accessible to people of all abilities and backgrounds.

• Foster Representation: Celebrate the rich diversity of our community by curating inclusive exhibits and events that reflect the stories of all individuals, past and present.

• Cultivate Belonging: Create a safe, respectful space where everyone feels valued, heard, and included.

We continuously strive to improve our practices, recognizing that diversity enriches our museum and enhances the experience for everyone. We welcome feedback and collaboration from our community as we work toward a more equitable and inclusive future.