It's worth noting that in many countries, it is commonplace to offer discounts or free admission to people with disabilities. I have had friends from Germany and Japan, both of which have disabled ID cards, express surprise that there is no discount for admission in the US. In both countries, registration with the government is required to get a disability ID card, which is what entitles one to the discounts - but most places that charge admission offer discounts.
In the US, we have opted for personal privacy and do not have a registration system, and the ADA is structured to prevent asking questions about an individual's disability, so I think most museums (and other venues) probably don't offer discounts because it is too hard to prove someone needs it and isn't abusing the discount. That is, they would rather charge a disabled person full price, than risk a non-disabled person sneaking in at half-price or free.
So I think the question is firmly about values: do you want to demonstrate social grace, or fiscal responsibility?
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Meredith Peruzzi
National Deaf Life Museum
Gallaudet University
Washington DC
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2019 02:02 PM
From: Hannah Hicks
Subject: Discount Admission for Visitors With Disabilities and their Aids?
Hi All,
I am doing research on what standard practice museums use for admission costs for visitors with disabilities and their caregivers. I know that the Cooper Hewitt Museum offers reduced admission for visitors with disabilities. Obviously the term "disability" encompasses a range of experiences, and depending on what a museum offers a person with a certain disability might be severely limited in what they can experience. But my instinct is to treat visitors with disabilities with integrity and equality, and that means not offering special discounts.
Has any museum professional had experience with visitors who seek reduced admission because of their disability, and how do you handle that? And is it standard practice for an aid or caregiver to be given a complimentary ticket? Any help you can provide would be much appreciated!
Hannah
Visitor Experience Representative
Washington D.C.
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Hannah Hicks
Visitor Experience Representative
National Geographic Museum
Washington DC
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