Exhibit Design Relating to Low Vision and Blindness Summary Report

Effective Communication

Publications

Federal accessibility laws require effective communication with people with disabilities. Alternative formats of standard print publications are a means of providing that effective communication through large print, Braille, or audio. Multiple formats should be provided so visitors have flexibility in use. A Braille literate visitor may consider a Braille version to be easier and faster for obtaining information, whereas for those who are not Braille readers require other alternate formats to meet their needs.

Large print and Braille publications should be of equivalent quality as standard print publications. Braille should meet the national or international Braille standards. Participants indicated that people who are blind or have low vision tend to use exhibition brochures during their museum or park visit. Additionally visitors with vision loss ought to be able to keep publications offered to them just as visitors without vision loss are able to do. Museums and parks commonly require the return of Braille or audio publications as they deem them too expensive or available in such limited quantity that they do not feel they can be given away.

Providing printed materials in audio format is considered equivalent to offering the publications in Braille. While some visitors may prefer to use their own audio devices If the content is available in a downloadable format, the museum or park needs to have audio devices available on site for those who don’t have an audio player.

Labeling

Text on exhibits, maps, waysides, models, etc. should be simple and clean. Braille should be used sparingly for titles or labels and follow Braille standards. The use of raised letters for titles and labels should use a consistent simple serif font for ease of reading. As exhibits are designed, consistency in placement of labels is important as visitor move from one to another.