Evaluating Accessibility in Museums: A Practical Guide

This book explores accessibility and evaluation through case studies of museums, highlighting the role of evaluation in developing and growing initiatives. It discusses different types of accessibility programs, their impact on visitors, staff, and community members, and the importance of iterating and moving forward. Evaluation helps create better, more responsive institutions that value and engage with their communities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2024
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Accessibility and evaluation are two critical aspects of museum work that are often intertwined but can also be challenging to navigate. This book aims to bridge these two areas by providing case studies of museums that have successfully implemented accessibility initiatives and have used evaluation to measure their impact. By sharing stories from institutions of various sizes, types, and geographical locations, the book highlights the diverse ways in which organizations have developed and grown their accessibility programs and the vital role that evaluation has played in their evolution.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of evaluating accessibility initiatives. Evaluations can help organizations identify areas for improvement, measure the impact of their programs on disabled and non-disabled visitors, and learn from their experiences. By conducting evaluations, organizations can ensure that their programs are effective, accessible, and inclusive for all visitors.

The book includes a range of case studies that showcase different types of accessibility initiatives. These include physical accessibility initiatives, such as wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms, as well as digital accessibility initiatives, such as audio descriptions and closed captions. Each case study provides a detailed description of the initiative, its goals, and its evaluation process.

One of the most significant findings of the book is that evaluating accessibility initiatives can have a significant impact on disabled and non-disabled visitors. For example, physical accessibility initiatives can help individuals with mobility impairments access museum exhibits and spaces, while digital accessibility initiatives can help individuals with hearing impairments or visual impairments access museum content. Evaluations can also help organizations identify areas where they may be able to improve their accessibility programs, such as by providing more training to staff or by making changes to the physical environment.

In addition to the impact on visitors, evaluating accessibility initiatives can also have a positive impact on staff and community members. Staff and community members can learn from the evaluation process and gain a better understanding of the needs of disabled visitors. This can help organizations build stronger relationships with their communities and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

However, evaluating accessibility initiatives can also be challenging. Organizations may need to invest time and resources in conducting evaluations, and they may need to work with stakeholders to ensure that their evaluations are accurate and meaningful. Additionally, organizations may need to address cultural and social barriers that may prevent disabled visitors from accessing museum exhibits and spaces.

To address these challenges, the book provides a range of strategies for evaluating accessibility initiatives. These strategies include using qualitative research methods, such as interviews and focus groups, to gather feedback from disabled visitors and staff. The book also provides a range of tools and resources that organizations can use to conduct evaluations, such as the Accessibility Evaluation Toolkit and the Universal Design Toolkit.

In conclusion, this book bridges accessibility and evaluation through case studies of museums that have successfully implemented accessibility initiatives and have used evaluation to measure their impact. By sharing stories from institutions of various sizes, types, and geographical locations, the book highlights the diverse ways in which organizations have developed and grown their accessibility programs and the vital role that evaluation has played in their evolution. Whether you are a museum professional, a disability advocate, or a member of the public, this book is a valuable resource for understanding the importance of accessibility and evaluation in museum work.

Weight: 499g
Dimension: 237 x 160 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538186305