Identifying Barriers to Accessibility for Museum Visitors Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired

Abstract

For people with visual impairment, environmental features create barriers to inclusion and participation in public places such as museums. This study gathered direct feedback on accessibility from people with visual impairment to inform a major renovation at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. This study used a participatory action research design. Data collection included a guided walk and semi-structured interviews. A descriptive numerical summary and qualitative thematic analysis were used to summarize the results. Twelve participants were assigned to three categories of visual impairment: low vision, legally blind, and totally blind. The primary barriers to accessibility included inaccessible signage, lack of multi-sensory information, and staff training. Suggestions for improving accessibility include adding assistive technology and increased staff involvement. Identifying barriers to accessibility requires involving people with visual impairment in the decision making process. Understanding the unique needs of people with visual impairment will promote inclusion and participation in museum settings.

Keywords:

• Accessibility
• disability
• museum
• occupational therapy
• universal design
• visual impairment

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Chris Hedlich, MS, OTR/L, SCLV for her assistance with researcher training and participant recruitment. Thank you for sharing your time and expertise during the completion of this project.

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no potential conflicts of interests to declare.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a Presidential Research Grant awarded by Grand Valley State University.

Notes on contributors

Jennifer Fortuna

Jennifer Fortuna, Ph.D., OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Program at Colorado Mesa University. Her primary research and collaborative work are focused on accessibility and health literacy. Dr. Fortuna has published research in national and international journals, and facilitated presentations around the world. She also serves as the Art Editor at the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT).

Claire Harrison

Claire Harrison, Abigail Eekhoff, Candice Marthaler, and Megan Seromik are graduate students in the Occupational Science and Therapy Program at Grand Valley State University (GVSU). This project fulfills GVSU’s research requirement for a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy.

Stephanie Ogren

Stephanie Ogren, Ph.D., is the Vice President of Science and Education at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Dr. Ogren develops programming, outreach, and exhibits for the GRPM, and strives to bring relevant scientific information and experiences to the public. She leads the education and volunteer teams, working alongside leadership to develop engaging, educational, and thought-provoking programs for museum visitors of all ages.

Julia VanderMolen

Julia VanderMolen, Ph.D., CHES, is an Associate Professor of Public Health at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. The contribution of her research is to examine the benefits of assistive technology, universal design, and universal design for learning. Additionally, Dr. VanderMolen’s recent work has included the benefits of 3-D printing for the visually impaired, the concept of universal design and learning, and the use of mobile technology to assist individuals with disabilities.