----- Original Message -----
From: heather macdonald <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2000 9:04 PM
Subject: Interpretation Program Study


Hi, I can perhaps offer a little from the UK perspective.  The trend at the
moment is towards implementing the Disability Discrimination Act.  This is
resulting in new approaches to interpretation being developed.  For example
the use of colour and shape for those with learning disabilities.  I
specialise in access for the visually impaired - audio guides,
demonstrations, exhibition planning etc.  Completely new approaches (at
least in the UK) such as the provision of tactile surfaces, personal safety
issues, and collection handling have had to be addressed. 'Access to all' is
the worthy idea, although in reality this is difficult and sometimes
impossible to fully achieve especially in places like castles, and country
houses.  Some further information is on my website  www.hrec.ndirect.co.uk
Some current examples of the new approaches include: the reconstruction of
an Egyptian temple singer's head from a mummy (tactile handling), the
marking of display cases to illustrate sizes of objects, and simply, the
provision of a white dot at face height on the glass to prevent people with
bi-focal spectacles crashing into the glass.
Ken Howarth, Heritage Recording (UK)

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