Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility
Our Commitment
Ford House inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to being a place where all people feel welcome, respected, and valued. Guided by Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s shared dedication to Detroit, its people, and the greater good, we strive to serve the public through programs and experiences that embrace a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities.
We use the acronym I.D.E.A.—Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility—to shape every aspect of our work, from guest services and programming to hiring and community engagement. Access to Ford House estate and experiences is offered without regard to an individual’s identity, background, or lived experience.
Our Ford House inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility commitment is advanced by a cross-departmental I.D.E.A. Committee, made up of employees with a variety of lived experiences and professional expertise. This group meets regularly to review, strengthen, and recommend improvements to our policies and practices, ensuring that Ford House remains a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable place for every guest and staff member.
Read on for a closer look at how we bring I.D.E.A. to life.
Inclusion
Ford House ensures that our interns, staff, and volunteers demonstrate cultural sensitivity and competence in all interactions. Our community events, programs, and tours are designed to reflect and respond to diverse cultures, interests, and the needs of our regional communities, creating experiences where everyone feels they belong.
Diversity
We prioritize diversity in every dimension of our vision, mission, strategic goals, leadership structure, audiences, community partners, programs, vendors, and staff. Embracing and celebrating differences make us stronger colleagues, employers, employees, friends, leaders, learners, researchers, students, teachers, and citizens.
Equity
Ford House is committed to challenging, addressing, and overcoming habits and traditions of bias, harassment, and discrimination. We actively cultivate a culture of inclusion, warmth, and hospitality. Our dedication to equity is reflected in our staffing practices, vendor selection, choice of partners, community outreach, and in ensuring broad access to our programs and events. We also strive to make our pricing accessible, offering Friend discounts and complimentary admission for children ages 0–2 at most events, and we proudly partner with Detroit Public Schools to provide free, nature-based learning for all kindergartners.
Accessibility
We aim to make our facilities, tours, and programs accessible to guests of all abilities. While some historic areas have physical constraints due to preservation requirements, we continuously explore ways to remove barriers and provide alternative experiences. We ensure that our interns, staff, and volunteers practice cultural competence and that our offerings reflect and respond to the diverse cultures, interests, and needs of our community. Fair accessibility to programs, resources, and assets is essential to us, as is providing equitable experiences for everyone we serve.
Download our I.D.E.A. Statement
Guided by Eleanor’s and Edsel’s shared love of Detroit and its people, art and culture, and of the greater good, Ford House is committed to serving the public. Everyone is welcome.
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