3 December 2010
The National Museum of Australia will launch a large print and tactile map of the building and exhibits and an interpretation brochure about the Garden of Australian Dreams on Friday 3 December, 2010 at 10am. The launch coincides with the International Day of People with Disability.
'The National Museum is committed to ensuring all Australians can access and enjoy our exhibitions and programs. We are delighted to launch the Braille map on International Day of People with Disability and hope that it will enhance vision impaired people's experience of the Museum,' said Louise Douglas, Assistant Director, Audience, Programs & Partnerships at the National Museum of Australia.
Scott Grimley, Access and Client Services Support Officer at the National Museum of Australia, was declared legally blind in 1998. Scott uses his knowledge and experience as a person with disability to make the Museum accessible to visitors and staff with special needs.
'The National Museum has always been willing to make changes and provide the equipment I need such as talking and magnifying software,' Scott said.
'Museum staff are often asked by visitors for an alternative Museum map, whether it be in another language, large print or audio. People who have vision impairment will welcome these large print and tactile Museum maps as it will allow them better and greater independence when visiting the Museum and its growing and changing exhibitions,' Scott Grimley said.
In conjunction with the launch Jay Roe, a presenter from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, and her dog Wally will provide a demonstration on how guide dogs assist their handlers in everyday life.
For more information about access programs and services offered by the National Museum of Australia visit: https://www.nma.gov.au/visit-us/plan
For interviews and more information please contact Dennis Grant on 02 6208 5351, 0409 916 481; Caroline Vero on 02 6208 5338, 0438 620 710 or media@nma.gov.au