I have not developed programming specifically for this subset of the population, but I had an enlightening experience when exhibiting at AAM or ASTC (I'm afraid I don't recall which event it was). I met a professional who specializes in this area of accessibility, and her comments were both encouraging and surprising. After learning about my exhibit in development and how the features in it are produced, she remarked that it was likely to be one of the only exhibits in which a blind visitor could experience nearly every single object shown. This really struck me, as I had to admit that I hadn't considered that perspective when creating it.
The exhibit uses 3D printing to create greatly enlarged models of biological specimens that have features which cannot be seen without a microscope. The shapes and textures of these specimens are what allow them to function as they do (denticles on shark skin, barbs on a porcupine quill, etc.) In essence, to tell these stories, I was trying to help those who can see to just see better/closer. Field testing of the content quickly showed that being able to touch the models allows for a much deeper understanding, and I'm able to offer that experience thanks to the ability to reproduce/replace the models economically.
Being of high utility to the blind was not my original intent, and I was delighted to learn that my exhibit would be so, but more than this, I was excited to realize that 3D printing has the potential to expand this kind of access greatly in any museum exhibit. My project fits within a specific content niche and requires some very specialized equipment to realize, but the creation of 3D models in general has become increasingly accessible. Many, if not most 3D objects in a museum collection can be surface scanned and reproduced as 3D printed replicas. 3D scanners can be costly, but there are some more economical choices, and even free software for photogrammetry. 3D printers are now affordable for most museums (if they are fused filament machines). This technology has made it possible to create quality haptic models at a fairly modest cost, and quickly. If you have access to 3D imaging and printing equipment, you've got a powerful tool to use in this capacity!
Michael
------------------------------
Michael Holland
Principal/Owner
Michael Holland Productions
Bozeman MT
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 02-08-2018 04:26 PM
From: Nicole Smith
Subject: Specific programming for visitors who are deaf-blind.
Hello all,
I was wondering if there is any museum out there that that has programming specifically for visitors who are-deaf-blind.
Thanks,
Nicole Smith