About Us

Mission

Access Smithsonian is a catalyst for consistent and integrated inclusive design that provides meaningful access to the Smithsonian Institution museums and content for visitors with disabilities.

Vision

To be recognized for excellence as an Institutional and international resource for inclusive museum facilities, programs, and services. People with disabilities who visit will view the Smithsonian Institution as relevant, accessible, and valuable.

Responsibilities

  • Policy, Practices, and Procedures 
  • Training and Education 
  • Programming 
  • Community Engagement 
  • Inclusive Design 
  • Access Services 
  • Internships

Contact Information

Access Smithsonian
Email: Access@si.edu
Phone: 202-633-2921 (voice)
Mailing Address:
PO Box 37012
National Museum of American History, Room 1050, MRC 607
Washington, DC 20013

Beth is pictured in the foreground of the photo sitting in a black power chair with her arm over the armrest. She wears a vibrant magenta long sleeve shirt, with a magenta, orange and purple patterned scarf around her neck. In the background, a lush green garden with the red brick Smithsonian Castle seen at the back behind the garden.
Beth Ziebarth, Head Diversity Officer of the Smithsonian and Director of Access Smithsonian Beth Ziebarth is the Head Diversity Officer of the Smithsonian and Director of Access Smithsonian. She is moving forward organizational diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) goals by building a community of practice, serving as a lead advisor and participant in the implementation of institutional strategic initiatives, and developing opportunities to bring DEAI resources into the Institution. Ziebarth also develops and implements accessibility policy and guidelines for the Institution, ensuring that Smithsonian visitors equitably experience inclusive physical and digital environments.             
In her 34 years at the Smithsonian, Ziebarth has served as a volunteer, as a Social Science Analyst in the Institutional Studies Office, as leader of Access Smithsonian, and more recently, as the Interim Head Diversity Officer. She has translated her personal interest in accessibility and disability into a broader professional perspective and responsibility for DEAI initiatives for both visitors and staff.            
Ziebarth received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI.          
Ziebarth is board vice president and programs committee chair of Nature Forward, a nonprofit organization that inspires Washington, DC, region residents to appreciate their natural environment through outdoor experiences and education.    
Ashley stands with her hands clasped behind her back smiling against a white wall. She wears a sleeveless navy blue blouse and a white skirt with a navy blue floral pattern.
Ashley Grady, Senior Program Specialist Ashley Grady is the Senior Program Specialist at the Smithsonian Institution in the Access Smithsonian office where she manages programs for families of children with disabilities, adults with dementia, and young adults with intellectual disabilities seeking employment. Prior to working at the Smithsonian, Ashley was a special education teacher in Washington, DC and Nashville, TN. She holds a Masters degree in Special Education from Vanderbilt University, and was awarded the Leadership in Arts and Disabilities Community Asset Award in 2019. 
Headshot of Samantha who has curly brown hair and smiles at the camera
Samantha Handler, Community Outreach Coordinator Samantha Handler is the Community Outreach Coordinator for Access Smithsonian; she is responsible for building relationships to help increase awareness of Access Smithsonian’s work and improve the lives of people with disabilities. Samantha began her career with the Smithsonian Institution as a volunteer in 2015 and transitioned to her staff role with Access Smithsonian in 2021. She identifies as a person with a disability and feels there is no greater privilege than to work with and on behalf of others in the disability community. Prior to joining Access Smithsonian, Samantha earned a bachelor’s degree from American University and worked for several years as a marketing executive with NBC and CBS. In her free time, Samantha can usually be found reading, playing board games, or at the dog park with her hound, Barney. 
Headshot of Michelle who has short blonde and grey hair and stands dressed in a black turtleneck shirt with her arms crossed smiling at the camera
Michelle Cook, Inclusive Design Specialist Michelle Cook is an Inclusive Design Specialist at the Smithsonian Institution. Her work within the Access Smithsonian office supports the design of inclusive exhibition spaces, outreach and education programs, communications and technologies, and facilities across all Smithsonian Units. Prior to her work with the Smithsonian, she served as Training and Technical Assistance Specialist with the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, and Accessibility Specialist and Program Manager at Indiana University's National Center on Accessibility. Michelle holds a Master of Science in Recreation Therapy from Indiana University. Her expertise and knowledge in this arena enables the Access Smithsonian office to promote movement beyond minimum standards and towards more inclusive and meaningful experiences for all audiences.
Headshot of Amy standing outdoors. She has light brown hair and smiles at the camera
Amy Castine, Lead Educator for See Me at the Smithsonian Amy Castine is the lead educator for See Me at the Smithsonian, Access Smithsonian’s free English-language program for people living with dementia and their care partners. Utilizing her experience as an artist, art historian, and educator, Amy develops and delivers See Me programs that improve the lives of participants through conversation and cognitive stimulation. In addition to working closely with participating Smithsonian museums to develop program content, Amy was instrumental in designing a training program for museum docents interested in facilitating dementia-friendly programs such as See Me at the Smithsonian. Amy is also affiliated with the Just Us program at the National Gallery of Art which - like See Me at the Smithsonian - serves individuals with dementia and their care partners. Amy earned a Master's in Art History with a concentration in museum studies from Virginia Commonwealth University. In her free time, she enjoys painting, jewelry-making, and teaching a variety of artistic techniques to students of all ages.    
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