Columbus, OH – In a somber moment, the community of Columbus, Ohio mourns the loss of Helyn Marshall, the dedicated Accessibility Manager at the Wexner Center for the Arts. Helyn’s passing occurred on September 26, 2023, at the age of 48, surrounded by her beloved family. Although the exact cause of her demise remains unknown, her impact on the accessibility landscape is undeniable.
Rooted in Columbus, Ohio, Helyn was raised by self-employed artists, instilling in her a deep appreciation for the arts. Art, for Helyn, was not just a luxury—it was an essential human right.
Helyn’s academic journey led her through The Ohio State University, where she acquired a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on Postmodern Literature and Poetry, along with a minor in the History of Art from the Modern Period. Later, she became a member of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at the same university.
In her pivotal role as the Wex’s inaugural Accessibility Manager and primary Digital Accessibility Coordinator, Helyn operated across various departments. Her mission was clear—to inform, support, and enhance accessibility across physical spaces, digital domains, and programmatic content. She aimed to remove all barriers to artistic engagement at the Wexner Center for the Arts.
To achieve this goal, Helyn harnessed her extensive knowledge of accessibility policies at Ohio State University. She shared these invaluable insights with every department, fostering relationships with accessibility service providers and vital resources. Through her initiatives, including training programs and comprehensive guides, she laid the foundation for inclusive practices.
Helyn’s reach extended beyond her workplace as she cultivated partnerships within and outside the institution. She was a constant presence at conferences, staying informed about the latest accessibility advancements, ensuring the Wex was always at the forefront of this crucial field.
Above all, Helyn Marshall was committed to creating an environment at the Wex that nurtured a sense of belonging and agency. Her warmth, kindness, and adaptability created a space where individuals could collectively experience the richness of their humanity through the transformative power of art.
A GoFundMe page is organised by Elise Dew with title “Helyn Marshall Medical & Family Support Fund” to support family. At the time of this article, $22,992 funds have been raised. It is stated on the page:
“Helyn Marshall, 48, unexpectedly was taken from this world on Sept 26, 2023 due to complications following open heart surgery. This GoFundMe has been established support her adored little family, Anthony and Vivian. It will hopefully provide them with much needed funds as they navigate medical and funeral costs, as wells as, reduction of their family income to a sole earner. The proceeds will go directly to the Marshall’s to support them through this unfathomable loss. We hope to reduce some of the strain and stress associated with this horrible loss as they navigate the world without their sweet center.”
In her passing, the legacy of Helyn Marshall lives on, inspiring future generations to continue the journey towards a more inclusive and accessible world of art.
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