Talking Images: Museums, galleries and heritage sites

Abstract: People with a sight problem can face many barriers when visiting museums and galleries. Talking Images is a user-led research project that has aimed to explore these barriers and offer solutions to improve access at museums, galleries and heritage sites for blind and partially sighted people. The project has been a collaboration between RNIB and Vocaleyes and has involved blind and partially sighted people in extensive consultation and research. A team of 12 blind and partially sighted auditors visited a wide range of venues across the UK. The auditors compiled over 60 detailed reports on audio guides and other services used at these venues, along with comments on the welcome and customer service they received. The venues that participated in the project also completed questionnaires on the services they provide, along with information on policy, training and marketing. In addition, 270 blind and partially sighted people took part in a phone survey, which examined people''s experiences at museums, galleries and heritage attractions. Drawing on the findings of this research, Vocaleyes undertook case studies in partnership with three venues to develop new audio tours. Each project was overseen by consultative groups of blind and partially sighted people who advised the development of the projects from the initial stages through to evaluation. The poster presentation will outline the scope of the project and partnerships, the various research studies, their aims and findings, and quotes from the auditors and focus group members on their experiences at museums, galleries and heritage sites across the UK. Prior knowledge of the topic is not assumed. The paper does not contain advanced technical content. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]