The Allentown Art Museum has taken a significant step toward inclusivity with the introduction of its new Large-Print Gallery Guides. Designed specifically for visitors with vision impairments, the Guides reflect the Museum’s continuing commitment to making art accessible to everyone in our community.
The Large-Print Guides include the text of all the wall labels for artworks on view in our American galleries, presented in 18-point Tahoma, an easily readable sans-serif font. There are separate Guides for English- and Spanish-speakers, and both are accessible on a visitor’s phone or as hardcopy versions available at our Welcome Desk. To access the Guides on your phone simply scan the QR code on the wall in our lobby (shown).
Using the Guides:
–Reduces eye strain
–Provides an alternative for people who are experiencing eye fatigue, especially from electronic devices
–Delivers information about art in a more accessible way to seniors, visitors who are partially sighted, and visitors with cognitive or learning disabilities, ADHD, or dyslexia because more space between lines helps slow our eyes down and helps readers better pay attention to each word/sentence
The development of these Guides involved collaboration with local advocacy groups and individuals with vision impairments to ensure that the guides meet the real needs of users.
“The process of creating the Large-Print Guides first started with talking with community members about how the Museum can be more accessible,” says AAM’s manager of accessibility, Margie Makowski. “There is a responsibility that comes with gathering such feedback—and that is doing something with it! So, I began creating the Guides for visitors who are partially sighted or who may wish to read the labels in a new way.
“The Large-Print Guides are just part of the Museum’s accessibility initiative. We also offer ASL interpretation for programs, AAM Social Narrative, sensory kits that include fidget tools, textured replicas of select artworks, and special gallery times like Sensory Saturdays not only to enhance the visitor experience but to reinforce our role as a community hub for all.”
For more information, click HERE for AAM’s Accessibility page, stop by the Museum’s Welcome Desk on your next visit, or email Margie Makowski at mmakowski@allentownartmuseum.org.