I totally agree. All too often, the rules of conservation and preservation dictate our real mission in museums - reaching broader audiences. Perhaps some objects in collections could be identified as education collections which might be available for "hands-on" observation. If nothing else, it is an important gesture. If you really want to know how this audience feels - invite them to serve as consultants.

Mark A Tullos, Jr.

>From: Christian Carr <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: visually impaired visitors
>Date: Sat, 5 May 2001 23:08:41 EDT
>
>I've toured National Trust properties in Britain where the guides took
>special interest in seeing-impaired guests and made it possible for them to
>touch pieces of sculpture, etc., that were not accessible to the general
>public. I think it was at the guides' discretion to offer that option, but
>it really meant a lot to the visitors and their companions. I would urge all
>museums, if at all possible, to reserve a few pieces for seeing-impaired
>visitors to experience, even on an informal basis.
>
>Christian Carr
>Ph.D. Candidate, Bard Graduate Center for Decorative Arts, Design and Culture

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