Enhancing The Experiences of Blind And Visually Impaired Visitors in Botanical Gardens
Date
2000
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to determine what could be done at
botanic gardens to enhance the experiences of blind and visually impaired visitors. This was done by determining ifthere is a discrepancy between what blind and visually
impaired individuals feel would enhance their experience versus what botanic gardens
are doing or would do to achieve the same means. Once findings were analyzed,
recommendations were made as to what botanic gardens could do to enhance the
experience of blind and visually impaired visitors. Whether or not there was a discrepancy was determined through surveys
administered to botanic gardens and blind and visually impaired individuals in a sixstate region. Observations also were made regarding botanic gardens that currently have features installed to enhance the experience of blind and visually impaired visitors through field trips. The findings indicated a discrepancy between what blind and visually impaired respondents desired and what botanic gardens thought should be implemented
in botanic gardens to enhance the experiences of blind and visually impaired individuals. The blind and visually impaired respondents primarily desired audio stimuli while the botanic gardens desired features that would serve all visitors and be relatively easy to
install. The findings also indicated that plant handling should be allowed and that there is a need for diversity of features in order to enhance the visit of all types of visually impaired visitors to the botanic garden.
Description
Keywords
Visitor experience, Blind, Visually impaired