On December 8-12 in New Orleans, LA, the National Center on Accessibility will teach one of its most popular training courses, "A Universal Approach to Interpretive Planning, Programs, and Design," which focuses on interpretive programs and facilities that are not only accessible to people with disabilities, but usable by people of all abilities. NCA brings this course to New Orleans during the bicentennial celebration of the Louisiana Purchase; in addition to a great training opportunity, there are various special events around the city to commemorate the purchase of land that doubled the size of the United States overnight.

The course is ideal for interpreters and interpretive planners, educators, accessibility coordinators, program coordinators, curators, exhibit planners, designers and fabricators. Educational sessions will provide an understanding of the needs of people with disabilities and the application of the principles of Universal Design to interpretive programs. Sessions will highlight evolving use of accessible technology for multi-media programs while addressing access to exhibits, audiovisual programs, museum and education programs, published materials and communications. Drawing on the rich interpretive programs within New Orleans, local sites will be used for field exercises including the Aquarium of Americas, the NPS Visitor Center, the Cabildo, the Mardi Gras museum and the Jazz museum.

For more information on registering for this training program, visit the National Center on Accessibility web site at http://www.ncpad.org/660/2707/2003-12-01.