Investigation of priority needs in terms of museum service accessibility for visually impaired visitors

Abstract

A B S T R AC T This study investigates the priority needs of museum service accessibility for visually impaired visitors. For this purpose, conjoint analysis was utilized. Four conjoint attributes of museum services were selected: A -facilities for wayfinding; B -exhibitions and collections including objects for touching, hearing, smelling, etc.; C -information in braille, audio and large print; and D -assistance and interpretation by museum staff and volunteers. Participants were 30 visually impaired adults ranging in age from teenagers to septuagenarians. The results revealed that the priority needs in services for visually impaired visitors were accessibility to exhibitions and collections, and staff assistance.

The Present and Future of Museum Accessibility for People with Visual Impairments

“…Negative or neutral ratings resulted from mobility issues or inaccessible content or artwork (detailed in Accessibility Issues). Positive ratings support prior research [3,4,6] valuing private or spe cialized tours provided by the museums ("The director was just amazing, (...) he took us to different places in the castle that really aren't accessible to the public" (P6)). Also, sensing tactile replicas or reproductions (rating for past tactile experi ences: M=4.71, SD=0.59), even if only a few are available, is essential for a positive experience ("I love artwork anytime I have an opportunity to examine tactile art" (P9)).…”

“…The lack of accessibility of artworks severely impacts the ex perience of PVI in museums. It is known [3,6] and reinforced by our survey that being able to sense tactile reproductions or replicas is very important to a fulfilling experience, but it is not always available ("My experience (...) has been very poor. Usually I have to have a sighted guide with me to explain...and I've very been frustrated for you can't touch things in muse ums, yes very frustrated!"…”

“…People with visual impairments (PVI) are interested in visiting museums and enjoying visual art [6,7]. In addition, laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act [1] state that museums should be accessible to people with disabilities.…”

“…In order to understand what PVI value the most in their mu seum experiences, previous research [3,4,6] has shown the positive impact of tactile replicas or reproductions and of spe cialized guided tours. These services are valuable, but they still fail to support an independent experience where PVI can enjoy art at their own pace.…”

The Role Of Museum And Sensory Design Of Rebuilding Place In Museology

“…In Malaysia, sensory design in museology has been translated in the form of interactive display. However, it is still bounded by the idea which Pallasmaa(2005) Rebuilding an exhibition space that is sensory oriented will create a sensation in visitor's experience (Reden, 2015;Xin, 2017;Handa & Dairoku, 2010) and it is already in trend. But, to achieve a social inclusion by adding the value required by the visually impaired visitors will be more challenging and complex (Hayhoe, 2014).…”