Explora

Explora will partner with local community groups and libraries to increase the museum's relevance for blind and low-vision visitors. The project team will host listening sessions and design charrettes to better understand the aspirations of the blind community; make modifications to the exhibit floor that utilize advisors' expertise and best practice from other museums to improve accessibility for blind and low-vision visitors; employ blind and low-vision teens to work as near-peer mentors with younger blind students in co-created out-of-school time programs; train the frontline museum staff to support blind visitors at the museum; and enhance the museum's website to improve accessibility for blind and low-vision users. The outcome of the project activities will be enhancements to the museum's exhibits, programs, and online resources that make them more relevant to the blind community as well as increase access to educational opportunities that support pathways to STEAM courses and careers.