Abstract
Museums are important cultural places where technology, and specifically assistive technology, offers a prime opportunity for people with visual impairments to access the exhibition and the space. People with visual impairments represent a large group of the population but still experience several constraints during their museum visits. Nevertheless, there are few studies on the importance of assistive technologies in museums. This chapter aims to discuss the relevance of technology in museums and to identify guidelines to implement assistive technologies in order to improve the experience of people with visual impairments during their visits to museums. A reflection on the potential of assistive technologies for people with visual impairments and some guidelines are provided in order to promote more accessible and inclusive museums.
TopIntroduction
It is recognised that technology has become central to many tourism stakeholders, ranging from transportation companies, accommodation and restaurants to visitor attractions, including cultural heritage and, more specifically, museums (Green et al., 2014). Cultural heritage is known to be one of the main contributors to tourism development and technology and internet tools allow heritage to be made more accessible and appealing to people, especially to people with disabilities (PwD) (ICOM, 2016; Vaz et al., 2018).
People with visual impairments (PwVI) are one of the most marginalised groups and still experience several limitations to their leisure activities (Richards et al., 2010). In the museum context, some changes are being implemented by museums to ensure the participation of PwD, including PwVI, in social activities (Andrade et al., 2015; Vaz, 2020). Some researchers emphasise that assistive technology (AT), which refers to products, devices or equipment that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of PwD, are of major importance in achieving this aim. However, few studies approach the topic of assistive technologies in museums and PwD.
This chapter aims to discuss the relevance of technology in museums, as well as to identify guidelines to provide AT in these attractions in order to enhance the experiences of PwVI in museums. The chapter begins by exploring the concepts of disabilities and technologies to PwVI. Then, it proceeds with a discussion of different technologies that museum managers may adopt to help minimise or eliminate constraints during their visit. Some examples of museums that already adopt AT will be mentioned to show how these technologies are being implemented in museums in order to make visits to these attractions more accessible and appealing to PwVI. Finally, the chapter ends with a reflection on the potential of AT for PwVI and with the provision of some guidelines on how to adopt this kind of technology.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Disability: The lack or restriction (resulting from an impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being.
Technology: The branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means.
Wearable Technology: An advanced electronic device that is worn or carried on the body.
Museums: A place where objects of permanent value are kept and displayed.
Assistive Technology: An adaptive technological tool, designed for and used by someone living with a disability to engage in daily life.
Accessible: Easy to approach, use, enter, reach.
People With Visual Impairments: People with limitation of actions and functions of the visual system.