Learn about sight related challenges of Inclusive Museum Visually Impaired Working Group members

Summary

The video introduces a discussion between members of the Hunt Museum’s Visually Impaired Working Group and Front of House staff. The session is part of the Inclusive Museum project, which aims to build staff confidence and help ensure visitors with visual impairments receive the same warm welcome as other visitors.

Experiences of visual impairment

The group stresses that visual impairment affects people in different ways. Staff should not assume that one person’s needs or strategies apply to everyone.

• William has been visually impaired since birth. He can make out people and some clothing patterns, but not facial details. Bright light, especially direct sunlight, can be uncomfortable. His eyes also shake, making it difficult to focus on moving things and read signs.
• Geraldine has limited central vision and cannot see detail or read. She may not see people or objects to her left, and bright fluorescent lighting is difficult. Steps and stairs can require caution and time to navigate. She says she has become more comfortable asking for help and that the group has helped her feel included.
• Meadhbh has reduced central vision and difficulty with depth perception. Objects and details can fade in and out of view, and she may look to the side or at something for a long time to see it. Facial expressions and gestures from across a room may not be visible.
• Ken has no sight on his left side and limited ability to distinguish detail, such as facial features. Finding and reading labels can be difficult. Glare can also be a challenge, though he has developed ways to manage it. He notes that technology, such as phone magnification, has helped.
• Members describe using their own strategies to get around, including taking care on stairs and relying on body language or other available visual cues.

Implications for museum staff and visitors

The discussion highlights several practical considerations for welcoming and supporting visitors:

• Ask rather than assume. Needs vary from person to person. Staff can ask whether assistance is wanted and what would be helpful.
• Give clear verbal directions. The museum’s layout can be confusing, even for sighted visitors. It has two buildings, separate lifts and stairwells, small rooms, and cabinets in walkways. A printed floor plan may not be usable for someone who cannot see it.
• Consider obstacles and routes. Explain how to move through the building and make hazards or changes in level clear.
• Be mindful of lighting. Bright light and glare can be difficult for some visitors, while dim areas may make navigation harder for others. Lighting needs differ from person to person.
• Do not rely on visual cues alone. A smile, gesture, sign, or label may not be noticed or readable.
• Make support welcoming and respectful. Geraldine says staff have been helpful when she has asked for assistance. The group also values being included as contributors whose experience can help improve the museum.
• Review the museum’s overall legibility. The Director agrees that finding one’s way around can be difficult for newcomers and says the group’s feedback is useful for improving access for all visitors.

Speakers and sources featured

• Maria Cagney — Curator of Education and Outreach; introduces the project and session.
• William Nolan — University of Limerick staff member who supports students with disabilities; Visually Impaired Working Group member.
• Geraldine — Visually Impaired Working Group member; surname not stated.
• Meadhbh Hennessy — Visually Impaired Working Group member and member of the Disability Consultation Participation Network.
• Ken — Visually Impaired Working Group member; surname not stated.
• Declan — Hunt Museum Front of House staff member; surname not stated.
• Rachel — Hunt Museum Front of House staff member; surname not stated.
• Valerie — Hunt Museum Front of House staff member; surname not stated.
• Teresa Crowley — Director of the Museum.