The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium has been making strides to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility of the organization. These efforts allow the institution to provide access and accommodation for individuals of all backgrounds. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is pleased to announce their hosting of the first ever River Museum InSight: Audio Description Tours on Tuesday, December 5 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM in the National Rivers Center.
“It continues to be a priority to actively work toward removing the barriers of museum visitorship. In hosting events such as this one, it is our hope that we can give back to the community that has given so much to us,” said Kristen Leffler, Staff Resource & Engagement Manager. “Accessibility benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities. Accessibility allows us to tap into everyone’s potential.”
Museum educators have been trained through a partnership with Audible Visions, a Galena-based nonprofit focused on increasing accessibility in media, entertainment, and tourism for people with low vision and other disabilities. Staff will be stationed around the event to audio describe animals and exhibits, and increased tactile experiences will be available. Other accommodations include increased lighting and additional navigational tools for guests.
This event is open to the public. Admission is free for River Museum members and $11.95 for non-members. The River Museum also offers the Museums for All program, providing discounted admission to increase access to dynamic experiences and exhibits for individuals of all backgrounds. Learn more about the qualifications and costs at rivermuseum.org/museums-all. Advanced registration for this event is available, but not required, at rivermuseum.org/events. Museums for All is supported in part by funding awards from Dubuque County and the McDonough Foundation. This event is made possible in part by funding from the Wahlert Foundation.