Re:  Jeffrey Allison's request regarding audio descriptive tours

We're just putting the final touches on an audio tour for people with
vision disabilities.  The tour is for a special exhibit here, Seahorse
Symphony, which is similar to an art display in that the animals are all
behind glass and not directly accessible and the subject matter is too
unfamiliar for people to use the multi-sensory parts of the exhibit
without some help.
1.      The 20 minute audio tour was developed with assistance from the
Guild for the Blind
2.      It gives directions through the exhibit as well as information
about the animals (similar to what is on the text panels)
3.      We have some large models in the introductory area which are not
specifically designed for touching by the general public.  The tape
encourages this special audience to touch them to orient them to the
variety of animals.
4.      The directions for interactives designed to be touched are also
given so listeners have a better idea how this fits into the major
exhibit themes.
5.      The exhibit animal displays are described in a manner similar to
the video descriptions used in specially narrating movies for people
with vision disabilities.

We're testing the tour out this summer and will use the results for
remedial work on this tape and in planning for future audio tours for
permanent exhibits.

Let me know if you want any further information.

Linda Wilson
Visitor Studies & Evaluation
Shedd Aquarium, Chicago IL  60605
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