Accessibility

Commitment to Digital Accessibility

OMCA is committed to making our website and digital content accessible and user-friendly to everyone. If you are having difficulty viewing or navigating the content on this website, or notice any content, feature, or functionality that you believe is not fully accessible to people with disabilities, please call our Customer Service team at 510-318-8400 or email our team at [email protected] with “Accessibility” in the subject line and provide a description of the specific feature you feel is not fully accessible or a suggestion for improvement. We take your feedback seriously and will consider it as we evaluate ways to accommodate all of our customers and our overall accessibility policies. Additionally, while we do not control such vendors, we strongly encourage vendors of third-party digital content to provide content that is accessible and user friendly.

Downloadable Forms

In order to view PDF files found across this website, Adobe Reader 9.1 (or higher) is required. Adobe Reader is available as a free download at: get.adobe.com/reader/. Screen reader users and persons with low vision should use the “Read Out Loud” feature found in the latest releases of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

To request accessibility accommodations please call 510-318-8427 Wednesday-Sunday 11am-5pm, or email at [email protected]

SERVICE ANIMALS

Service animals are allowed in all areas of OMCA that are open to the public, including our galleries and gardens, provided the service animal does not pose a direct threat to staff or visitors, or fundamentally alter the Museum’s operations, policies, practices, or procedures.

A service animal is a dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for persons with disabilities. Dogs that solely provide companionship, comfort, and emotional support are not considered service animals under the ADA.

Wheelchair Access

OMCA is fully wheelchair accessible, allowing for manual and electric wheelchairs, electric mobility scooters, and other power-driven mobility devices. An accessible ramp is located at the main entrance on Oak Street between 10th and 11th. OMCA offers a limited number of wheelchairs at the Ticketing Desk on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, OMCA staff is not permitted to lift visitors or push wheelchairs.

Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs)

Other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMDs) such as Segways, are subject to reasonable restrictions in certain areas of the Museum campus. As our campus is comprised of multiple levels, open staircases, and narrow gallery spaces we have created a policy to maximize accessibility while minimizing danger to those persons using an OPDMD and others around them (particularly during times of high visitation). This accommodation is intended for those with an accessibility need. Recreational use of OPDMDs is not permitted.

Those using an OPDMD for an accessible need are instructed to:

  • Maintain control of their device
  • Operate at the lowest speed (consistent with a walking pace)
  • Yield to pedestrians (with particular attention being paid to children and seniors)
  • Take care when turning corners, operate in reverse, and when navigating near artifacts or when entering and exiting exhibits
  • Follow any safety instructions given by museum staff

Assisted Listing Devices

Assisted listening devices are available for the James Moore Theater and Lecture Hall. Visitors can checkout assisted listening devices at the ticketing desk.

Restrooms

Accessible restrooms are located on all levels. Gender-neutral restrooms and a family restroom with an adult sized changing table are available on Level 2.

Elevators

An elevator is available for visitor use inside the Museum near the parking garage entrance on Level 2. The elevator provides access to Levels 1, 2, and 3. Level 4 roof gardens are not accessible by the elevator.

Tours

All onsite Docent-led tours are suspended until further notice. Contact [email protected] for self-guided group information.

Multilingual Resources

OMCA’s wall text is multilingual (English, Spanish and Chinese) and reflects the voices of many Californians, providing different perspectives on the meaning of California art, history, and natural sciences.

Parking

OMCA’s parking garage is located on Oak Street between 10th and 12th Streets and provides spaces on the upper level for disabled parking as well as a ramp into the Museum. Disabled parking spaces are only available on the upper level of the parking garage. OMCA’s lower level is accessible only by stairs. Please note the vertical clearance of the garage entrance is 6 feet 8 inches.
If you have additional questions or concerns about accessibility at OMCA, please email us at [email protected].
FAQ