Visiting the National Building Museum

I 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.

Continue reading “Visiting the National Building Museum”

Touch tour in the Cincinnati Art Museum

I 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.

Continue reading “Touch tour in the Cincinnati Art Museum”

Gift ideas for blind travelers

This guide is intended to help you to buy thoughtful gifts for blind travelers, though most recommendations can just as easily be used at home.

I am personally familiar with all of the items I recommend, and use most of them on a regular basis.

Continue reading “Gift ideas for blind travelers”

Why should you make the physical environment inclusive for blind people

I often hear the argument that making something accessible for blind people is not worth it, because there aren’t many blind people using it. My argument usually is that if it was accessible, you would have more blind people taking advantage of it. It is even more difficult when we don’t just make something accessible by fulfilling the minimum necessary requirement, but making the environment truly inclusive to blind people, where they don’t only get information, but they can enjoy something just like sighted people do. Often, this can cost much more time and money.

Continue reading “Why should you make the physical environment inclusive for blind people”

Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability, an inclusive conference

Last month I attended the Leadership Exchange in Art and Disability (LEAD) conference in Boston, which was the most inclusive conference I have ever been to. And that’s to say a lot, because in the last 25 years, I have attended at least 40 conferences which primarily had an audience of people with disabilities, plus many other ones, and I have not experienced anything like this before.

The conference is organized by the Kennedy Center, and it is about cultural access solutions, allowing participants to learn, network and be inspired.

Continue reading “Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability, an inclusive conference”

Why do drive-through ATMs have braille?

Drive-through ATMs with Braille buttons have long perplexed many, giving rise to questions, jokes, and urban legends. After all, blind individuals don’t drive, so why would there be Braille on machines explicitly designed for drivers? As it turns out, the presence of Braille is based on a combination of practical, legal, and manufacturing reasons. This article delves into the explanations behind this seemingly contradictory design choice.

Continue reading “Why do drive-through ATMs have braille?”

First blind man to complete Race Across America

Dave Wilkinson, a blind 30-time marathon runner and Ironman, is planning nothing less in 2024 but to join the Race Across America bicycle race event. He will ride on a tandem bike with Jim Trout who has done this race several times before. They will ride 3000 miles in 12 days, across 12 states.

Continue reading “First blind man to complete Race Across America”

Should I add braille to my business card?

In an increasingly inclusive business landscape, the question of whether to add braille to business cards has become relevant for many professionals. While a significant portion of the global population won’t directly benefit from braille business cards, their importance extends beyond the visually impaired community. As businesses strive to stand out, resonate more deeply with their audience, and showcase corporate responsibility, braille cards serve as a symbol of commitment to inclusivity. But for those who read braille, it is not just a useful tool, but a lasting impression on you and your company.


Continue reading “Should I add braille to my business card?”

Accessible Ohio, Making Ohio Destinations More Inclusive to All

Recently I have come across a program in Ohio, which may fundamentally change what it means to create accessible travel and tourism in a state. Accessible Ohio has the potential to impact accessible experiences for people with disabilities by educating and consulting with companies who would like to make their services more accessible and inclusive. Of course, such services existed before, but here the difference is that it is taken to the state level, and actually funds accessibility consultations. As I understand, such an initiative is unique in the United States.

Continue reading “Accessible Ohio, Making Ohio Destinations More Inclusive to All”

CheckPlease, a service to make restaurant payments accessible

Recently I came across a solution that could not only revolutionize restaurant payments, but would make it much more accessible to blind people as well. It is called CheckPlease. It is a simple app which allows you to pick a restaurant, order from the menu, and pay using your phone.

The end result, waiters will have to spend less time at your table, you can take your time to order, you don’t have to wait for your bill, and the restaurant can turn the tables much faster.

Continue reading “CheckPlease, a service to make restaurant payments accessible”

Exit mobile version