Hello:
As an occupational therapist and museum professional, I've created accessibility initiatives and offer the following resources as a place to start:
1. When groups or individuals call to book a tour or program, be sure to ASK what would be most helpful to them. Work together on giving people what they need; they are usually more than willing to help advise!
2. Establish an advisory board related to accessibility, comprised of key stakeholders from the community (e.g., access coordinator from the mayor's office, occupational therapist and physical therapist from local rehab center, staff from community agencies like Lighthouse for the Blind that also deals with low vision, center for independent living, hearing society); meet 2-4 times a year to discuss programming, exhibits, visitor services
3. Get resources from local, state and federal agencies like National Federation of the Blind, American Foundation for the Blind, National Center on Learning Disabilities, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board,Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, The Americans with Disabilities Act Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal, text by Jan Majewski "Part of Your General Public is Disabled: A Handbook for Guides in Museums, Zoos and Historic Houses" and a terrific resource on communication by Sally mCCormick calle, "Removing Barriers: Tips and Strategies to Promote Accessible Communication, produced by the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health"; from the University of Washington, the DO-IT series -- (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internet-working and Technology" which offers fact sheets and resources -- AND look for the Regional Disability and Business Technical Assistant Center (DBTAC) -- there are 10 centers in the USA providing services and info about education and training, public accommodations, info technology, public services, telecommunications, databases of resources re: the Americans with Disabilities (ADA), etc.
4. The National Network of ADA Centers offers good fact sheets on various topics include providing effective communication and service animals and more at the following URL:
ADA Title II and Title III Regulations Fact Sheet Series | ADA National Network5. For those who are have hearing loss, explore use of technology (e.g., assistive listening systems and open captioning (audio part of a video/film is transcribed and made visible on the screen to be read by people with hearing disabilities -- open captioning is always visible; closed captioning requires a decoder -- like on your TV -- to turn it off and on, as needed). If you do not have open captioning, offer scripts of any audiovisuals. Assistive Listening systems enhance sound for people hard of hearing (induction, wireless AM or FM systems, wireless infrared system) so visitors understand dialogue in meeting rooms, theaters, auditoriums. Personal FM systems (where tour guide uses microphone and transmitter and visit wears receiver and headset) allow the visitor to look at the exhibit/activity while listening to the speaker (since it is impossible for person to watch you or the interpreter AND an exhibit at the same time, it may mean you cover less material in a program -- select salient points accordingly). Offer services of a sign language interpreter (most people who are deaf or hard of hearing use the American Sign Language, but always ask since there are other systems in use); find a local agency who can provide this service; provide good speechreading conditions that include a well-lit, quiet area with a script of the program and/or explanatory text. Always point out written text that supplements verbal info. Provide a vocabulary list of special terms or a reference list. Avoid complex sentences, repat concepts and use visual cues.Always face your audience and be aware of your facial expressions, gestures and rate of speech. Make sure your hands to not block your lips, since some people lip read. Do not over-enunciate words or shout. Keep your face in the light where it can be seen. When another person speaks, turn your head towards that person as a cue or others to turn as well. Eliminate background noise.
6. For those with low vision or who are blind, experiences allowing touch is essential (e.g., models, raised line drawings, magnifiers, close-up detailed high contrast color photos to see details, sculptures); audiotapes, large print (minimum of 16 point type), assistive technology or computer software programs allowing users to enlarge images/print on screen to whatever they need; trained volunteers from the institution to help guide people on tours or help during programs and/or to serve as a reader to read information aloud, when necessary (for small amounts of materials) to individuals or a small group; always share what is happening, introducing yourself and speaking directly to the person who is blind or visually impaired. Use visually descriptive language referencing colors, patterns,designs and shapes and relationships to other objects; Offer to guide people, offering your arm so they can take your arm just above the elbow when your arm is bent at the elbow to about 90 degrees (never grab or push/pull a person with a vision impairment); offer some info in Braille with general overview of concepts (American Printing House for the Blind worked with me to design maps and guidebooks in Braille for a cultural institution); do not pet or talk to service animals; they are working! Speak clearly and with energy, as your tone of voice and inflection assist in communicating concepts; offer your materials in large print (and Braille, as appropriate, since some read Braille, but many others do not). Recorded audio tours can be an assist. Check path of travel for obstacles and abrupt turns. Ask visitors what they know about your organization and then offer a general description of the environment. Locating objects according to the hands on a clock may be helpful (e.g., male lion is at 3:00 o' clock, remalt at 6:00 o'clock and three cubs at 11 o'clock); if things may be touched, guide visitor hands to appropriate spots; if objects usually cannot be touched, try to make an exception for this audience. Ask questions about what they are touching....always ask individual how much detail s/he wants, describe height/width of something in comparison to the individual and/or to common objects with which s/he is familiar. When moving through crowded areas, place your guiding arm behind you, forearm across your back and move the person with low vision directly behind you, shifting his hand to hold your forearm. Describe what you are moving through as you walk. Pause before going up or down stairs or incline, elevator, turnstile, revolving doors, etc. Try to avoid escalators and revolving doors. When guiding someone to a seat, place hir/her hand on the back of the chair and allow him/her to sit down.
7. Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) years ago had an initiative called 'Accessible Practices', with some documents at the following URL:
ASTC - Resource Center - Accessible Practices
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Terrie Nolinske PhD, OTR/L
Tampa FL
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-31-2018 12:26 PM
From: Lisa Petitta
Subject: hear and sight impaired
Soldiers & Sailors has received a request to give a tour to a group of individuals that are hearing and sight impaired.
Besides providing information in braille and using physical objects/artifacts as tools, what do other museums use to accommodate special needs groups?
Thank you for your assistance and advice.
Lisa Petitta
Collections Manager
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc.
Click on the image below to support.
Honor them with your presence
4141 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-621-4253, Ext. 214
Lisa@soldiersandsailorshall.org
www.soldiersandsailorshall.org
