2009 “Access for All Abilities” Mini-grant AwardsRecipients of $2500 grants are:
Bristol Historical and Preservation Society
Providence Public Library
Rotary Club of Chariho
The Steel Yard, Providence
The Sherlock Center’s mini-grant initiative funds projects that increase access for people with disabilities to existing social, leisure, recreational and cultural activities in the community. Partners in this mini-grant initiative include Accessible Rhode Island and VSA Arts of Rhode Island.
The award to the Bristol Historical and Preservation Society, housed in the former Bristol Town Jail, will be used to acquire video and audio technology to make the Society’s collections available as a video tour for individuals with disabilities who are currently unable to access the historic building’s second floor. The technology will also assist those involved in historical research.
The Providence Public Library will utilize the grant funds to conduct a series of trainings designed to help librarians and program presenters become more effective at inclusion of children and adults with disabilities or mental illness in library programs.
The Rotary Club of Chariho will use grant money to help defray the cost of crushed stone and equipment at the Sarah Jane McCullough Play Area, which serves children and adults in Richmond, Hopkinton, Charlestown, Westerly and Exeter. The crushed stone is part of a subsurface for a “Poured in Place” rubber surface, which allows complete wheelchair access.
The Steel Yard offers free industrial arts classes and job training for low-income students aged 13-18, and produces street art for local neighborhoods and communities. Their grant money will be used for safety equipment, and a digital projector to allow students with disabilities to access class demonstrations.