Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Hi /r/blind, I'm a tour guide at a local museum. I'll be giving a tour to a group from the National Federation of the Blind later this week, do you have any tips on how I can provide the best experience for the group? (self.Blind)
submitted by ohlookawall
Nighthawk321 5 points 6y ago
What kind of museum is it? What's the age range of the group?
ohlookawall [OP] 3 points 6y ago
It's a space history museum. The group will be all adults, from what I know. I'm not sure if any members will be bringing their children
Nighthawk321 5 points 6y ago
Just try to be as descriptive as possible. If there are hands on objects, definitely let them feel, if that's allowed. Also, if there are pictures/projections, I would suggest describing in terms of how it works, stuff like that. If I were being shown a picture of something, I really wouldn't care what color it is, what it almost looks like, etc. Most of all, don't overthink the whole thing :).
ohlookawall [OP] 3 points 6y ago
Haha I'm trying not to overthink it while trying to think of ways to give a great tour and experience.
One practical question: as we're moving around the museum, would it be helpful if I were more descriptive in directing the group? For example, say "Let's keep walking forward" instead of "Let's keep walking this way"?
One practical question: as we're moving around the museum, would it be helpful if I were more descriptive in directing the group? For example, say "Let's keep walking forward" instead of "Let's keep walking this way"?
Nighthawk321 5 points 6y ago
Good question. If they're independent, they'll most likely follow the sound of your voice. I suppose if it looks like a couple are veering off, just say over here or something. Others feel free to chime in if you think it could be done better.
HariboG 4 points 6y ago
Can visitors touch any of the exhibits?
ohlookawall [OP] 3 points 6y ago
Yes, there are some items that can be touched!
One thing I'm trying to think of is how to express scale and size.
One thing I'm trying to think of is how to express scale and size.
narfarnst 3 points 6y ago
If you have access to 3D printers $1 is awesome. They do take a while to print though, so don't wait til the last minute. We printed one at our museum. If your collections department is nice enough, see if they have replicas of any objects the patrons can touch.
With regards to way-finding, I suggest letting them know significant things (like stairs approaching, maybe walls at unusual angles). Also, talk to whoever is organizing the visit. See to what degree they are all blind and if they have chaperones with them.
I'm mostly blind and work at a museum. If you have any specific questions let me know.
With regards to way-finding, I suggest letting them know significant things (like stairs approaching, maybe walls at unusual angles). Also, talk to whoever is organizing the visit. See to what degree they are all blind and if they have chaperones with them.
I'm mostly blind and work at a museum. If you have any specific questions let me know.
ohlookawall [OP] 2 points 6y ago
Ah nice! We don't have any 3D printers, but I can use some models we have at the gift shop.
One good thing about the artifacts we have is most of it aren't fragile and behind glass. We also have a lot of kids visit, so we try to make everything as hands-on as possible!
Thank you for the advice, I will ask the organizer about the degree of blindness and chaperones so I can have an idea of how to proceed throughout the space.
And I will definitely come back if I think of any further questions, thank you!
One good thing about the artifacts we have is most of it aren't fragile and behind glass. We also have a lot of kids visit, so we try to make everything as hands-on as possible!
Thank you for the advice, I will ask the organizer about the degree of blindness and chaperones so I can have an idea of how to proceed throughout the space.
And I will definitely come back if I think of any further questions, thank you!
[deleted] 1 points 6y ago
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jage9 2 points 6y ago
Let us know how it went.
[deleted] 2 points 6y ago
[deleted]
ohlookawall [OP] 1 points 6y ago
We don't have any audio transcriptions of the exhibits, just us tour guides =)
Thank you for the idea about calling the office, they'll know the best for sure. I'll look on their website for any resources as well.
^^Edit: ^^Name ^^of ^^museum ^^was ^^removed ^^for ^^privacy.
Thank you for the idea about calling the office, they'll know the best for sure. I'll look on their website for any resources as well.
^^Edit: ^^Name ^^of ^^museum ^^was ^^removed ^^for ^^privacy.
[deleted] 2 points 6y ago
[deleted]
ohlookawall [OP] 1 points 6y ago
Thank you very much!
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