How does the Red Cross museum promote inclusion for visually impaired visitors?

Question

Accepted Answer

The Red Cross Museum Enhances Inclusion for Visually Impaired Visitors Through a Specialized "Image Whisperer" Service

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva actively promotes inclusion for visually impaired visitors by offering a unique "image whisperer" service. This program, which began in late last year, pairs blind visitors with trained art specialists, guides, and artists who provide detailed verbal descriptions of exhibits. The initiative aims to foster a more accessible and engaging museum experience, enabling individuals with visual impairments to interpret and appreciate the art and artifacts on display.
Trained Professionals Describe Museum Exhibits

The "image whisperer" service relies on nearly 30 individuals who have undergone specific training to become adept at describing visual content. These professionals, including art specialists, guides, and artists, are equipped to articulate the nuances of sculptures, objects, and scenes within the museum. For instance, one visitor was guided through a description of a white sculpture depicting Red Cross founder Henry Dunant, followed by an invitation to feel a large, three-meter-tall foot sculpture while the whisperer described accompanying images of war.
Fostering Interpretation and Understanding

The core objective of the image whisperers is to provide descriptions that facilitate interpretation and understanding for visually impaired visitors. They are trained to articulate what they see, leaving ample room for the visitor's imagination and personal connection. This method allows individuals, such as Waltraud Quiblier, a retired teacher who lost her vision gradually, to engage deeply with the exhibits, even being invited to touch a tactile representation of a giant foot while the associated visuals were described.
Expanding Inclusion Beyond Geneva

The Red Cross museum's pioneering image whisperer service is not limited to its own institution; it has also been extended to benefit other cultural establishments. Approximately a dozen cultural institutions across Switzerland are now utilizing this service, which was initially established by the Geneva museum. This expansion signifies a broader commitment to making art and cultural heritage more accessible to a wider audience.
Integral to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mission

The image whisperer program is considered a crucial component of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum's broader mission to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Museum officials emphasize the importance of being as inclusive as possible, viewing the service as vital for moving the world forward. This initiative underscores the museum's dedication to ensuring that all visitors, regardless of their visual abilities, can have a meaningful and enriching experience.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

How does the Red Cross museum promote inclusion for visually impaired visitors?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends