UNITED SPINAL’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES HELPS

MUSEUMS TO BECOME DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE

“One of the things that has emerged is quiet rooms or spaces, where a person on the spectrum can avoid the roar of the crowd,” says Kleo King, the Senior Director of Accessibility Operations for United Spinal’s Accessibility Services and a NYSCI board member.

Braille signage and wayfinding are a must, as well as infrared hearing loops at ticket counters, concessions, and more.

At the disability-inclusive Human Plus exhibit, visitors can virtually sit-ski the Alps.

Dana Schloss, Associate Vice President of Exhibits at NYSCI, notes that the building was built six decades ago for the World’s Fair, long before the ADA was enacted.

However, NYSCI leadership constantly develops programming and facilities that include people with a full range of disabilities.

“We have redone a lot of the museum in the last six years.

We’re thinking of inclusivity in all exhibits and all parts of the building,” she said.

“We think about Universal Design all the time. 

We know that ADA compliance is the beginning. NYSCI aims to offer an inclusive design for all.”