[Art_beyond_sight_learning_tools] Article: Blind get a feel of museum

[Shelley L. Rhodes]

Oldham Evening Chronicle (UK)
Friday, April 08, 2005

Blind get a feel of museum

MUSEUMS are traditionally associated with glass cases and "do not touch" 
signs.

But Chadderton grandmother Elaine Gallagher was among the visitors when 
Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry got hands on.

The popular attraction held an open day for blind and visually impaired 
people yesterday as visitors enjoyed a touch-tour of the exhibits 
accompanied by descriptive narratives.

"I have very limited peripheral vision, but the day has been wonderful, " 
said Mrs Gallagher.

"If museums and galleries like this make their exhibitions accessible then 
it will certainly encourage me to bring my grandchildren along."

The event was the culmination of a year-long project by museum staff and 
Henshaws Society for the Blind to make the museum more accessible. Nearly 
£5,000 was awarded by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council North-West 
to fund the work.

Mary Gifford, volunteer art galleries and museums co-ordinator for Henshaws, 
said: "Blind and visually impaired people from Henshaws trailed touch tours 
and gave feedback on accessibility and we are really pleased with the 
results.

"It is very inspiring for me to see what the museum has been able to achieve 
with limited funding and a strong desire to make their exhibitions more 
accessible.

"The Disability Discrimination Act has brought accessibility to the fore for 
many organisations. The museum has taken that extra step in bringing art and 
history to life in a very meaningful way."


http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/NEWSF11.html




--
BlindNews mailing list

Archived at: http://GeoffAndWen.com/blind/
Address message to list by sending mail to: BlindNews at blindprogramming.com

Access your subscription info at: 
http://blindprogramming.com/mailman/listinfo/blindnews_blindprogramming.com



-- 
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.4 - Release Date: 4/6/2005