Visually Impaired Visitors
Audio Guides
Obviously a visually impaired visitor may struggle with some audio guides but our Orpheo Range has the following features:
- standard telephone layout keypad (keys aligned vertically and horizontally)
- a raised dot on the 5 key to help the partially sighted.
- can have 2 headphones attached to them (where the visitor is assisted or wheel chair bound the guide can be shared.
- a neck or wrist strap for hands-free operation; essential if the visitor has a stick or cane.
- a backlit keyboard and screen which can be set for high visibility.
Download Centre and other screen based products
- offers change of colour-contrast and Font size to Visually Impaired visitors (see below).
Content
- scriptwriters must be experienced 'describers'.
- employ variety of techniques to paint an 'audio picture'.
- Include elements of touch to increase the sensory stimulation on the tour.
- Include additional directions to aid the visually impaired visitor.
Sample Script (From National Maritime Museum and Farnham Castle):
Instructions:
Go through the archway and slightly down onto the brick floor. Incidentally, in the nearest left-hand corner is a passage leading to the toilets. Walk across at approximately 11 o’clock to a doorway in the facing wall, which is labelled ‘Dining Room’. Immediately through the doorway there are four steps down, with no handrails, so take care.
Tactile:
When you’re ready, turn left as you face the balustrade and Great Hall, and walk along the gallery to the stairs at the far end. As you go, there may be chairs scattered about, so take care. Beside the wall at the end of the balustrade there’s an enormous carved wooden chest which you’re welcome to touch.
Descriptive:
Number 4. This richly-coloured life-size portrait depicts James, the Duke of York. He was, at the time, Lord High Admiral to his elder brother, King Charles II. The image of the 40-year-old naval commander was painted by the French artist Henri Gascar in 1673, who worked for the Catholic Circle at Charles II’s court. Gascar travelled widely in Europe and was influenced by some of the best artists. Theatrically dramatising the qualities of the sitter, this swaggering portrait represents James as both a heroic warrior and a glamorous aristocrat. He stands facing us, legs apart and left hand on hip, gazing into the distance over to our right. His right arm is stretched out, his hand resting on a staff.
Sample Content
Use the controls below to listen
