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-2- in policy and procedures that will be taken to increase employment of Hispanics at all levels of the Smithsonian reflect the nation's cultural diversity." The task force presented its findings to the Secretary in a joint press conference on May 10, 1994. A candid assessment of the state of the relationship between the Institution and the Latino community, the report is thorough and thought-provoking and contains many substantive recommendations. The report was distributed to all assistant secretaries and bureau and office directors for comment and suggestion to assist in implementing the recommendations Dr. Miguel Bretos, a member of the task force, has agreed to assist the Secretary over the next several months in assessing the Task Force recommendations and in developing an implementation plan. Working with Smithsonian staff, Dr. Bretos intends to submit that plan at the end of September. Commission on the Future of the Smithsonian Institution The Commission held its second meeting June 1-4 in Washington. Highlights of the agenda included presentations on demographics, technology, and financing. The next meeting of the Commission has been scheduled for September 14-17. On September 29, several Commission members will travel to London to meet with the directors of the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Museum of Science and Industry, the British Museum, and the Tate Gallery. During their five-day visit, commission members will explore how these British institutions plan to face the issues and strategies for their future. Maya Lin of New York has resigned from the Commission because of other commitments. Although the Regents have authorized the replacement of members who resign, the relationships that have been established among those who are serving and the substantial amount of work that they have done so far suggest that it may be neither timely nor appropriate to seek additional members now. Publication of Smithsonian Access for visitors with Disabilities The Smithsonian's Office of Public Affairs has published Smithsonian Access, a free guide for visitors that provides an overview of accessibility features and services for disables visitors at the Institution's museums and public facilities. Publication of the 20,000 copies of Smithsonian Access was made possible by a grant from the Smithsonian Women's Committee. Smithsonian Access includes information about parking, Metro, entrances, visitor services and publications, and how to arrange for interpreters and special tours. the 48-page brochure is illustrated with line drawings and maps of the museums. The brochure is available at the Visitor Information and Associates' Reception Center in the Castle and at the information desks in the various museums. Smithsonian Access is also available in large print, in braille and on audiocassette, through VIARC's central offices. Visitors may write or telephone to voice or TTY to request copies. The brochure text, without illustrations or maps, is also available by special request on computer disk in a variety of standard word-processing formats. This service is particularly valuable to people who use computers to magnify text, with Braille readers or with voice recognition. It may also be possible soon for people to view the brochure through the Smithsonian's America On Line Forum.
