Welcome back to this week’s series on the National Museum of the United States Air Force. I had a lovely visit there last Saturday and one blog story didn’t do justice to all the interesting things that I wanted to share. I have a few stories planned for this week and today’s topic is something truly unexpected.
I was delighted to see that there are some resources for the visually impaired that seem quite new. There is a ton of signage in this museum but some of the aircraft now have signs with the narrative told in braille. Each sign has a textured image of the plane and a 3D printed model of the plane.
This museum is so interactive and engaging for those of us who are fortunate to have our eyesight but I imagine it would be terribly dull for visually impaired visitors unless you had a truly great friend or guide to assist. Imagine the quality of life improvements that would be possible if there were more accommodations like this.
Long ago, I was the fair housing officer for my community. This experience gave me a different perspective on this world of ours because I see the value of providing accommodations that give equal access to housing, learning, employment and the other parts of life that contribute to independent living. Providing equal access is such an easy thing to do and it makes a tremendous difference for those who need it.
Museums are absolutely part of that and I was proud of whoever decided to make this a better place to visit. Come back tomorrow. I have a story about a survivor you’ll want to know.
Love this! A young man who was blind recently visited our Visitor Center in the Preserve. He was with an aunt. I was able to have him feel our manatee artifacts (skull, jaw bone and rib bone). I was really happy I could enrich his visit. All of us need to learn about our world; it makes our lives better. Thanks for your post!
What a lovely way to include him! I’m so pleased to know you were able to create a special moment that he certainly will remember.