Of the seven museums that replied, the responses were as follows:

  - none, we're fighting about wether or not to have interactive exhibits
        for the disabled
  - we have a tactile map at the front gate and guided tours, we fought to
        get service animals allowed in the zoo and we are puttiing
        together an audio tour.
  - we are trying out a prototype product that translates print into braille
  - we have a large print visitors map and guide
  - we have no special programs
  - we have audio on several exhibits and several use braille
  - we are thinking about training our staff to be explainers

I also received mail from two women at Gallaudet University in Washington
DC which, I was told, is the only institution of higher education to be
planned around the needs of deaf and hearing impaired students in the
world (great potential resource for info!). They suggested these tips:
  - exhibits should be as visual as possible
  - information on audio system should be available in print
  - sign language interpreter should be available that knows ASL(American
        Sign Language)
  - light should be bright enough in an auditorium so that the interpreter
        can be seen
  - all films should be captioned
  - lots of signs giving directions, explainations, hours, policies
  - staff that know that environmental sounds such as wind, fans, ac or
        musack can make it harder for me to understand what is being said
  - staff that know that if I am lipreading, they should look right at me
        (in the eyes) and speak slowly with separation between words, but
        never exaggerate or shout
  - staff that are willing to use gestures and pointing to make things
        clearer to me
  - hand out copies of scripts for films, lectures, slide shows, etc. even
        if there is an interpreter

And finally, several books from the AAM bookstore catalogue were
suggested. Of the six offered, three look very promising. In particular,
"Part of Your General Public is Disabled" by Janice Majewski includes a
video and "provides concrete examples of how docents can provide effective
interpretation for visitors with disabilities."  You can get a copy of the
AAM catalogue by calling (202) 289-9127 or fax (202) 289-6578.

Thanks so much everyone for responding!

 And thanks all who read this to the end for being concerned about your
disabled visitors.

Erin Grassie
Disabled Visotor Services Coordinator/Exhibit Designer
Arizona Science Center
(602) 257-1450
fax (602) 256-0033