I can relate a horror story from the time I was *prevented* from addressing
the needs on Non-English Speaking visitors.

Aside from Spanish-language text labels in part of our Mesoamerican hall,
exhibits at The Field Museum currently make little accommodation for
non-English speaking visitors.  Public Services does a somewhat better job,
with floor maps and emergency signage in multiple languages.

When we opened our new dinosaur hall a few years back, I was asked to draft
the emergency exit signage.  Following the standard used throughout the
Museum, I composed text in both English and Spanish.  The then-director of
Exhibits (who shall remain nameless) insisted this was insensitive: that
non-English speakers would visit the exhibit seeing nothing but
English-language labels, and the only time they see a sign in their own
language it is giving them directions, telling them not to open emergency
doors, etc.

I countered that , while it is true we could be doing more for our
non-English speaking audience, English-language text could be safely assumed
in an English-speaking country (both by cultural predominance and
governmental decree).  Furthermore, an emergency is the time you *most* need
to be able to communicate, quickly and clearly.

My then-boss remained unpersuaded, and thus, to the best of my
understanding,  it is the policy of our museum holds that, while it is
alright to present non-English speakers with exhibit after exhibit in a
language they don't understand, it is offensive to attempt to save their
lives by communicatin in their native tongue.  I believe it was Orwell who
said there are some ideas so stupid, only an intellectual could believe them.

I had the pleasure of visiting Australia a couple years back, and it seemed
to be a most beautiful and sensible place.  I hope you are able to avoid
such well-inentioned nightmares.

-- Gene