Holistic accessibility consulting for travel and tourism
As I am always out searching for interesting museums, recently I found out that the house where the movie, “A Christmas Story” was filmed, at least parts of it, is open to the public. Not only, but there is also a museum and gift store next door. I couldn’t believe that it is 20 minutes from us and I didn’t even know about it. Last weekend I called an Uber and went to check it for myself.
Last summer I was introduced to Ellis Lane, a curator from the Allen Memorial Art Museum in Oberlin. At the time he just started working on a project to make artwork accessible for visually impaired people. The Digital Reimaginings exhibit opened recently. Ellis didn’t only create a fully accessible program, but I really appreciated his approach to it, where I had the honor to collaborate with him.
As he was putting the exhibit together, he continuously solicited feedback from visually impaired people in the form of online and on-site focus groups. This is particularly important because he took the surprise factor out of the equation, and put something together that he had feedback on. It is important to note that though the original idea was to create something particularly for visually impaired people, he also ensured accessibility and inclusion for all people, with our without disabilities.
The exhibit consists of a few objects spanning centuries and different parts of the world. Given that the original artworks should not be touched by all visitors, he created 3d printed replicas. Besides the replicas, he also designed some lithophanes showing different aspects of the use of one of the artifacts.
The exhibit can be viewed alone, or guidance can be requested as well. By each object there is a large print and a braille description, together with an audio guide, so guests can take the approach that best fits their needs.
Leave a CommentItalian American Museum of Cleveland
The other day I was searching for something new to do in the Cleveland area when I came across the Italian American Museum. I couldn’t remember hearing about it before, as I later found out, it was established in 2021.
As I described earlier, a museum’s accessibility is not a true or false, for that matter, it never will be, but it is a continuous progress towards inclusion and exceptional accessibility. But if you feel that your museum could be more accessible, there is quite a bit you can do. It will not be an overnight process, but there is a lot you can do right now, practically at no or minimal cost to get started.
Leave a CommentWhen planning a visit to a museum, one crucial question is often in the minds of many people with disabilities: Is this museum accessible? The significance of this question cannot be overstated. If a museum isn’t accessible, visiting it could turn out to be a frustrating, if not entirely wasted, experience. Conversely, if it is accessible but this information isn’t readily available, potential visitors might miss out on a wonderful opportunity.
It’s essential to understand that the accessibility of a museum is not a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ matter. Most museums fall somewhere in between.
Leave a CommentAfter I was done with my work in Ottawa, I only had time to visit one thing before my flight. There is so much to pick from, I chose the Canadian Museum of History, but I would like to return, preferably in warmer weather. Each time I go to Ottawa, Cleveland reminds me of tropical vacation spots. Anyway, this time I didn’t prepare early, and I only started to schedule my visit two weeks before my trip, so at this point, I decided that I’ll be happy with anything, if I can’t get something organized, it is my fault. After all, I can always just walk in, buy a ticket and hope for the best. But that’s really the last option. I like to make sure that if I only have a few hours, I plan it and spend my time meaningfully.
I checked the museum’s accessibility page, but nothing really indicated that there is anything for blind people to do. Generally, there is always something, well, except when there isn’t so I like to make sure I won’t just walk by rows of glass containers. For more information, they suggested to use the contact form or call a number. I started with the contact form, it wasn’t too obvious what to pick, the two best options were general information or accessibility plan. I picked the second, and sent a message.
2 CommentsAs I was planning my trip to Cincinnati, I came across the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center which sounded very exciting. I was wondering if there would be a touch tour available. When I checked the site, there was information about a tactile map and an audio tour, but I was looking for more. I contacted the museum, and James Harrington responded immediately offering to take me around.
The museum introduces visitors to the history of the underground railroad, starting from the African slave trade to arriving to the free states.
An additional surprise was that on the day of my visit, I was trying to figure out where to eat lunch before the visit, and I accidentally found out that a piece of the Berlin Wall can be seen right outside of the museum.
And how does the Berlin Wall belong there? As the Columbus Dispatch States, it “focuses on how Civil War era slaves reached freedom, and on freedom around the world”.
Leave a CommentI was always interested in miniature buildings or building replicas. When I travel, I hear so much about the architecture, but it is hard to imagine it without actually seeing it. Thus, I always try to find a replica of a building I visited if there is one available. It is much more meaningful together with the description.
Recently when I planned a trip to Washington DC, I contacted the National Building Museum and asked if they would be able to give me a touch tour and show me some miniature buildings.
The team was very kind and they organized a meeting for me for the only free afternoon I had during my trip. Little did I know, the day couldn’t be more perfect, as it was the opening of the Mini Memories exhibit, which is a number of souvenir buildings from the David Weingarten collection.
Leave a CommentI heard about the accessibility program of the Cincinnati Art Museum from Sara Birkofer at the LEAD conference. She talked about the touch tours she organizes, I immediately knew I have to get there somehow. I went up to Sara after their presentation and asked her to include me on one of her tours. Spoiler alert, if this was the only thing I did in Cincinnati, it was already worth flying there.
We scheduled the tour on a day when the museum hosted an audio description workshop, but more about that later, first I’d like to talk about the touch tour.
Sara organizes these tours, and people are asked to schedule on about a month in advance. There is more information on their accessibility page.
Being an art exhibit, the museum doesn’t land itself well for a just walk in tactile tour. By default, there really isn’t anything to touch, or at least, one should not touch anything. Generally art museums are more difficult to make tactile.
Leave a CommentGenerally, most museums are not regarded as beneficial for blind people, particularly because often objects are behind glass. But it doesn’t have to be that way, and museums can be a fascinating experience. However, most exhibits will need some kind of adaptation to make them enjoyable for blind people.
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