OEA - CP - Resolución CP CAAP 4220

PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE OEA/Ser.G

ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES CP/CAAP-4220/26 11 March 2026

COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATIVE Original: Spanish

AND BUDGETARY AFFAIRS

NOTE FROM THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL REQUESTING CONSIDERATION

OF FUNDING FOR AN AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT STUDY

FOR THE ART MUSEUM OF THE AMERICASOASG/95-26

March 10, 2026 His Excellency Ambassador Benoni Belli Permanent Representative of Brazil to the Organization of American States Chair of the Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Affairs Washington, D.C.

Excellency: I have the pleasure of addressing Your Excellency to highlight the importance of funding an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility study for the Art Museum of the Americas

(AMA), a cultural institution of the Organization of American States dedicated to promoting art and cultural dialogue in the Hemisphere. It should be noted that the presentation of this initiative to the Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Affairs (CAAP) comes in follow-up to a mandate set forth in resolution AG/RES. 3028 (LIV-O/24), “Promotion and Protection of Human Rights,” section xxvii. “Program of Action for the Decade of the Americas for the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities 2016-2026 and Support for the Committee for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons With Disabilities," which instructs the Secretariat for Administration and Finance, through the Department of General Services, to conduct a thorough assessment of existing infrastructure and required modifications as regards the accessibility and universal design needs of persons with disabilities, in order to address the pressing need to prioritize the physical, communicational, and informational accessibility of OAS buildings, both at headquarters and at other locations. That resolution also requests

that, through the CAAP, projects to implement the required modifications be submitted to the Permanent Council. Conducting an ADA study is an essential step in assessing the Museum’s current conditions and identifying the adaptations needed to ensure full and inclusive access for all people, including those with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. This study will serve to develop a strategic plan to ensure that the Museum’s facilities, services, and experiences meet internationally recognized accessibility standards. Funding this study represents a concrete commitment to the principles of inclusion, equity, and human rights promoted by the OAS. By improving the Museum’s accessibility, it expands opportunities for cultural participation for thousands of visitors who currently face barriers to full access to cultural spaces. Furthermore, implementing the recommendations derived from an ADA study can generate significant institutional and financial benefits for the AMA. These include: • Increased visitor attendance by eliminating access barriers.2 • Increased participation by diverse communities and organizations working with people with disabilities. • Potential access to new funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships with institutions committed to accessibility and inclusion. • Strengthening the reputation of the AMA as a cultural institution at the forefront of accessibility within the inter-American system. The investment in this study not only responds to a technical need but also constitutes a strategic decision that will allow the museum to broaden its scope, strengthen its sustainability, and align itself with international best practices in cultural accessibility. Attached to this communication are two proposals received for the study, presenting the scope, methodology, and estimated cost of this specialized assessment. While the procurement rules do not require a formal bidding process for procurements of the estimated amount needed for the study, my office will work in coordination with the Department of Procurement and Management Oversight to conduct a competitive process. For these reasons, we respectfully request that the Committee give favorable consideration to allocating resources for the ADA study for the Art Museum of the Americas. We thank you in advance for your attention to this request and for your continued support for initiatives that promote an accessible and inclusive culture in the region. Please accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration. Laura Gil Assistant Secretary General Organization of American StatesINSTITUTE FOR HUMAN CENTERED DESIGN

PARTNER