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In the case of minorities, while the total number in the work force increased (from 1,469 to 1,492), as a percentage of the total minorities continued to decrease from 36.7% to 36.0%, though the decrease may have stabilized.  The Black ethnic group incurred the major part of the minority percentage decrease from 34.2% to 33.1% of the work force (although numerically they increased from 1343 to 1372).  There was a 0.5% decrease in the higher grades of nine through eighteen.  The other ethnic group percentages of the work force remained relatively stable.

Since this decline in minority employment may be attributable to a relaxed attitude toward affirmative action on the part of some supervisors as a result of the publicity given to so-called reverse discrimination complaints, the Institution is initiating two-day equal opportunity courses for all managers and supervisors and a one-day course for executives.

2.  [[underlined]]Accessibility for Handicapped Visitors[[/underlined]]- during 1979 a variety of architectural plans and modifications have continued to provide more barrier-free access to Smithsonian buildings and facilities.  Some of these projects include access to the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden, the Fine Arts and Portrait Galleries Courtyard, entrances to the Natural History Building and Renwick Gallery, restroom facilities in the Smithsonian Building and an elevator in the Arts and Industries Building.  Many other architectural projects await funding approval.

In addition to improved physical access to building and facilities, handicapped visitors are increasingly able to enjoy varied Smithsonian programs and activities.  The major task of making programs accessible to the hearing, vision, mobility and learning impaired was highlighted this year by both the preparation of a brochure emphasizing the Institution's