The Kimball received an award when it opened as a very accessible design. I
don't remember the year that it was built, but it was very pre-ADA. From
what I know if it (I have never been, just read about it), it is a very
early example of effective universal design-design considering the needs of
all audiences. With the sensitivity to visitors' needs rooted into the
philosophy of the museum's actual building and site, it seems extremely
unfortunate that the front-line staff is not trained accordingly. ADA is
about reducing barriers, but the foremost barriers to creating welcoming,
inclusive environments are attitudinal barriers. I hope that the Kimball
will now use this case study as a red-flag to increase sensitivity training.
I also hope that others in this discussion (I will not mention any names...)
will realize that creating inclusive environments DOES mean anticipating
visitor needs and planning accordingly, and I feel that while we all have
our different responsibilities in the museum, visitor services and visitors
needs should always be in mind. Visitor Services means exactly that:
providing visitors with the services they need and being prepared to assist
visitors as they arrive, NOT requiring them to research prior to a visit
whether of not they are welcomed there.
For me, these discussions inspire me to dust off my copy of Excellence and
Equity which states: "museums must become more inclusive places that welcome
diverse audiences...[this means] identify audiences with special needs,
develop ongoing working relationships with them, and make the museum's
program, exhibitions, services, and information more accessible to them."
I look forward to hearing other people's thoughts,
Leah C. Schroder, Assistant Educator
Programs for Visitors with Disabilities and Special Needs
The Museum of Modern Art
11 West 53rd Street
New York, NY 10019
212.708.9864
212.247.1230 TTY/TDD
http://www.moma.org/docs/visiting/specialneeds/index.htm
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ross Weeks [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Tuesday, September 05, 2000 4:22 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Discrimination at the Kimball
>
> The Kimball, if I'm not mistaken, is squished into inadequate,
> inaccessible
> space at a small college and is about to move to more appropriate
> quarters.
> If there is any embarrassment to be felt, it would be the college's. The
> college ought to know better.
>
> Jay ignores altogether that museums must do whatever they can to provide a
> welcoming experience for those who care enough to visit. That means
> obtaining two or three more wheelchairs (often they will be donated) and
> finding a place to keep them.
>
> I have no physical handicap of any kind, but out of habit I simply leave a
> visitor-oriented place that doesn't seem to give a darn in one way or
> another if I'm served. I walked out of a store yesterday when a clerk
> seemed too busy to answer questions about a small appliance, and won't be
> going back. Museums must show they "care" and, of course, in the instant
> case, it's the law anyway.
>
> Ross Weeks Jr.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jay Heuman" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, September 05, 2000 3:13 PM
> Subject: Re: Discrimination at the Kimball
>
>
> > Hello Indigo Nights et al.,
> >
> > To be quite honest, this issue could be raised without the
> specifics.
> > As a result, your inclusion of the name of the institution serves to
> > embarrass the Kimball or -- at minimum -- put the Kimball on the spot.
> >
> > On this topic: why do visitors to museums assume museums are
> prepared
> > to deal with every situation without prior notice? Why are visitors
> > with special circumstances not logically approaching their impending
> > visit to a museum or other tourist site? Why did this visitor not think
> > to call ahead, to ensure her needs could and would be met?
>
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