Amplifying access and inclusion through audience participation Jessica Bradford, Interpretation Manager Science Museum

1.Information Age case study: what was our approach to access? 2.Visually-impaired Advisory Panel  Role  Tactile map  Tactile objects  Audio description app  Challenges and opportunities 3.Working with hard-of-hearing adults  Initial consultation  Participatory projects 4.Evaluation 5.Next steps Session outline

Case Study: Information Age at the Science Museum 3

Access strategy Information Age aspired to be the most accessible gallery at the Science Museum to date. Incorporating an inclusive design ethos, we ensured all elements of the project were as accessible as possible for visitors who have disabilities, while enhancing access and engagement for all. We adhered to relevant recognised guidelines for access, but moved beyond these and incorporated innovative strategies to break down traditional barriers to access.

We recognise that visitors face a range of barriers when visiting museums including: Sensory barriers Physical Barriers Intellectual Barriers Attitudinal barriers Our aim was to introduce innovative and creative strategies to break down these barriers. What are the barriers?

Large print book at entrances Tactile map at entrances Tactile objects Braille labels alongside tactile objects Large print labels alongside tactile objects Audio-described tour Object handling Transcripts for audio-only exhibits Two through lifts providing access to mezzanine level Accessible features in Information Age Cane detector floor markers to highlight hazards Subtitles on all films Audio exhibit content Induction loops British Sign Language Audio descriptions app for blind and visually impaired visitors Makaton resource pack

A participatory approach

For the level of ambition, intermittent consultation would be insufficient A panel was formed of 7 regular and highly-committed members, each with varying degrees of sight loss. Blind and visually impaired advisory panel

Over the course of more than two years, the panel met regularly and focused their discussion on the ways in which we could improve the gallery’s accessibility for the visually impaired audience. There were 28 meetings in total, led by the project’s Access Expert. Special consideration given to facilitation and feedback mechanism Practicalities and payment Blind and visually impaired advisory panel

The role of the panel: Identifying needs and barriers Reflection upon best practice in other institutions Analysis of current Science Museum provision Outlining a strategy for Information Age Developing interpretation briefs Testing prototypes Blind and visually impaired advisory panel

Example #1: tactile map

The map was considered by participants to have the right level of detail to provide an overview of the gallery without becoming confusing. Participants expressed their gratitude for being able to carry it around with them and refer back.

Example #2: tactile objects

Example #3: audio description app

Audio descriptions developed with VOCALEYES Curatorial team briefing documents, followed by tours (with hard hats!) of the objects once installed Reviewed and edited by the team

“It provides me with a level of independence and freedom to explore the gallery” “It's the main way that I get information about what is in the gallery”

Testing of the app also revealed key limitations Unpredictable and slow pick-up of signals, which can become frustrating New technology could be confusing for less experienced users and there is no staff support available within the gallery The app only provides detailed information about the gallery and there are likely to be many barriers faced by visitors before reaching the space The app does not eliminate the need for additional support as it has limited orientation capacity

Challenges and opportunities of the approach Careful, structured facilitation is vital, and takes time Expectations are high, so disappointment is possible Innovation is unpredictable

Challenges and opportunities of the approach Resources delivered are as accessible as possible Understanding the complexities of the project Adaptability Joined-up strategy

 Communication technology is essential to the lives of people who are hard of hearing  Technologies can break down barriers created by hearing loss  A hard of hearing person’s priorities for communication technologies often differ from those of a hearing person  Accessible technologies are relied upon by people with hearing loss for everyday communication Consultation with hard of hearing visitors

Participatory project: the impact of the WWW 9 participants 2 facilitators: Content Manager and Disability Access Advisor 8 sessions over 15 months 2 days of filming Evaluation

Evaluating the outputs Innovative solutions have great benefits and bring new challenges It’s crucial to get the basics right A diverse offer conveys the impression that the museum has thought about ‘everyone’

Next steps: New Medicine Galleries Huge opportunities and challenges inherent in the subject matter New Advisory Panels: physical and sensory disability and mental health New participation projects The second generation of Audio-Eyes

Questions and discussion