Unheard Stories – Improving access for Deaf visitors

Slide 1: Improving Access for Deaf Visitors Linda Ellis, Wolverhampton Arts and Museums Service linda.ellis@wolverhampton.gov.uk

Slide 2: d/Deaf Visitors • The term Deaf is used for people that use sign language as their first language • People who use sign language as their first language tend to have lower reading skills than those whose first language is English • Some deaf people us sign supported English rather than British sign language • British sign language was recognised as an official language in March 2003 • Not all d/Deaf people can lip read • Deaf people are one of the most excluded groups in our society

Slide 3: Our Deaf visitors told us they wanted: • Any written information to be as short and as simple as possible • Information in sign language (BSL) • To be able to explore the exhibits independently • To hear stories about local people and about museum objects • Events just for Deaf people

Slide 4: Our Solution Signed videos that Deaf visitors can watch on hand held MP3 players and on our website

Slide 5: Our Solution • Wrote information specifically aimed at Deaf visitors as we didn’t have material we felt was suitable • Translated the English text into British sign language which was then filmed • Signing by local Deaf people not interpreters • Videos filmed on site rather than in a studio • Put videos on our website to tell Deaf visitors what to expect when they visit • Put videos on our website to tell Deaf visitors what to expect when they visit • Developed a guide made up of a number of short videos which visitors watch on a hand held player

Slide 6: Its not rocket science and you probably do some of it already … • Make sure any text you write is simple and straightforward • If you have audio guides, provide a written version or develop a written alternative • If you can afford it, develop signed interpretation with subtitles and an English voice over • Add subtitles to any videos you produce • Provide d/Deaf awareness training for all staff and volunteers • Organise events lead by Deaf people as well as providing interpreters • Have a mobile phone for text messages • Send email alerts to Deaf contacts