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Maisel, J. L., PhD, & Ranahan, M., PhD. (2017, October 30). Beyond Accessibility to Universal Design. Retrieved November 20, 2020, from here

Spacey, J. (2017, April 29). 16 Examples of Universal Design. Retrieved November 19, 2020, from here

Spacey, J. (2017, April 30). 8 Examples of Inclusive Design. Retrieved November 19, 2020, from here

Spacey, J. (2017, May 29). 4 Types of Tactile Information. Retrieved November 19, 2020, from here

Zappia, A. (2020, July 30). Karen Braitmayer, Founder of Studio Pacifica, Weighs in on Accessible Design. Retrieved November 18, 2020, from here

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(4) A plan to monitor use and access and allow for input from stakeholders

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(4) A plan to monitor use and access and allow for input from stakeholders

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The introduction of the mobile alerts system will allow the Museum of Magical Creatures to be able to directly solicit feedback from patrons who sign up.  Feedback can be solicited either through a series of automated message prompts via text messages, or tech-savvy patrons can provide their input through a survey form which can be accessed via link.

Before the MoMC begins construction, the final design plan should be shared with the surrounding area.  In particular, disability rights groups and other disabled and neurodivergent folks should be actively sought out and asked for their input regarding the plan.

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Implementing the changes suggested will take a considerable amount of time.  It would likely be the most cost-effective for the Museum of Magical Creatures to choose the months when it experiences the least traffic to close for a period of 4-5 months (i.e., about one season) and begin construction.  While closing may seem undesirable, construction is typically loud, disruptive, and uncomfortable for patrons--not to mention unsightly!  By closing the museum for a season, the MoMC can jump headfirst into its commitment to greater inclusivity and accessibility.

During the closure, the museum should prioritize its chosen solution for the front entrance (as this is ultimately the first and most important barriers to access).  If the MoMC decides to remove the stairs entirely, this could possibly shorten the amount of time the museum must be closed.  The MoMC should also prioritize construction in bathrooms, exhibits, and the main lobby, as well as the installation of automated doors.  The timeline may also be altered depending on whether the "Cool Down Cave" is conceived of as a project for new construction, or if an older exhibit will be repurposed for this space.

Once major construction is over, in the last weeks of closure, the MoMC can begin to alter signage, exhibit features, and begin beta-testing new features such as mobile alerts and the changes to the announcement system.

This project will take an incredible amount of coordination and will only succeed if in the preparation stages there is cooperation and agreement from designers, architects, construction teams, and the staff of MoMC themselves.

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(2) Suggestions for increasing access for patrons

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(2) Suggestions for increasing access for patrons

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🌟   Because the front entrance is not wheelchair accessible, there are several routes that the MoMC can take:

1. Build a low-incline ramp which is wide enough for 2 lanes (i.e, entrance and exit) of traffic to easily pass

2. Install at least two wheelchair lifts (i.e., one for entrance, exit) at the front entrance of the museum

3. Remove the stairs entirely.  This option would be even more aligned with universal design principles because it presents the least barriers to access possible.  No stairs for anyone means that there is no assumption being made about the abilities of who the visitors of the museum will be

🌟   Install automated sliding doors to replace heavy traditional doors
🌟   Install push-to-open buttons at all the doorways
🌟   Decrease the height of counters, kiosks, and exhibit signs so that they are accessible to wheelchair users
🌟   Add low-incline ramps to all elevated exhibit platforms from multiple sides
🌟   Add tactile paving to the floor which leads patrons in a predictable circuit throughout the museum
🌟   Add tactile controls to all touch screen surfaces, such as those used by employees at the information desk, at ticket kiosks, and in interactive exhibits throughout the museum
🌟   Increase the average width of all bathroom stalls so that a wheelchair user or person with a stroller could easily enter
🌟   Provide handrails in all bathroom stalls
🌟   Provide changing tables in all bathrooms
🌟   Establish all restrooms as gender neutral
🌟   Introduce "family restrooms" as designated spaces for patrons with children
🌟   Introduce breastfeeding stations for parents with babies
🌟   Introduce a "Cool Down Cave": a special "exhibit" where patrons needing a sensory break can find a comfortable corner to take care of their needs
🌟   Add captions and ASL interpretation (e.g., through in-frame video) to exhibit videos, when present
🌟   Introduce a "quiet hours" program, where patron entry is limited to a particular capacity.  This may be helpful for patrons who have severe sensory issues to be able to tolerate a public space like a museum
🌟   Make sure that signage font is large, easy to read and dyslexic-friendly, and that wherever possible, pictographs are included
🌟   Add a gentle, graduated tri-tone chime before loudspeaker announcements to alert patrons that one is coming
🌟   Give patrons the option to receive loudspeaker announcements and other important information regarding the museum as mobile alerts

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(1) What was observed as working or not working?

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(1) What was observed as working or not working?

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What works for the MoMC is that the building is very large and there is a great deal of space to work with.  The MoMC campus is large which means that, if it was deemed necessary, the main building could even be extended.  Though wide and sprawling, the museum is only two floors, and the building also already has many working elevators.  The MoMC has signs, placards, and exhibits displayed in various languages, signs in Braille, and an excellent, functional loudspeaker system.  When booking tours, patrons can easily designate whether or not they need an interpreter to assist their visit.

What doesn't work for the MoMC is that the main entrance is not wheelchair accessible.  In order to enter the building with a wheelchair, crutches, or other such device, and even in cases with large strollers, patrons must enter through the side door, which is out of the way.  The front doors are heavy, making them difficult to open alone, and only some of the doors have push-to-open buttons.  Many of the counters, kiosks, and exhibit signs are also quite tall, making it challenging to use/access them if someone's line of sight or physical reach is below a particular height.  This limitation is especially apparent in the reception area, information desk, ticket counter, gift store, and in the bathrooms.  There are some exhibits with elevated platforms that are currently only accessible by climbing stairs.

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Welcome to the Museum of Magical Creatures! 

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Welcome to the Museum of Magical Creatures! 

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This mystical museum delights its visitors with exhibit after exhibit about magical beings large and small--from the cute and cuddly, to the scary and snarly, the pride of the MoMC has always been to push the limits of the imagination.  Located 20 minutes outside of a major metropolitan area, the MoMC is accessible by car and train and deals with considerable foot-traffic, especially during the holidays and summers when school-age children are on vacation.  Due to the museum's resounding success, and in anticipation of the 10th year anniversary of its opening, major renovations are being discussed. I was brought in as a consultant to make suggestions for how to change the space to be more welcoming and accessible to all patrons using Universal Design principles.