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Making Sense of Museums
Why is this case study relevant?
The project is relevant to increasing physical and intellectual access to the Hunterian collections as part of social inclusion agenda through active participation and consultation with people with sensory impairment
What were the aims of the project?
The aims of the project are to increase physical and intellectual access to the Hunterian museum’s collections and to meet the aims of the social inclusion agenda through active participation and consultation with people with sensory impairments. It also aimed to identify and consider simple and effective ways of improving access to collections.
What happened?
Consultation and involvement with target groups was central to the planning and implementation of the projects. The team set up a Voluntary Access group with 15 members, many of whom have access requirements. Through dialogue and pilot activities, the team explored simple ways of encouraging participation for those who would otherwise struggle to enjoy museum and gallery collections. To that effect, a consultancy group was set up and the group would continue beyond the life of the project. The group consisted of mix of people with access issues, interest or experience of working with people with access issues. A working group was set up with Sense Scotland and there was a work placement opportunity for young people. There were 14 pupil placements, including those requiring additional learning support, 6 voluntary work placements, varying timescales, from 1 week to 5 months. The team developed and delivered 6 pilot activities for those with sensory impairment. They outlined a number of quick fix solutions to simple access issues, which have now been implemented and published a report to inform future access improvements.
What was learned?
The project presented a number of exciting opportunities to link with other partners and to review how to improve work with people requiring additional support. There were also a number of challenges to overcome including tight timescales, logistics of setting up and managing an active steering group. There was also a realisation of the extent of the improvements that could be made within the organisation.
What is the wider relevance?
Hunterian museum’s forward plans. There is an on-going access improvement to the museum’s collections and services. Through the project the museum is able to build on new partnerships and sustaining their networks. Most relevant is the benefit of recognising and developing a social purpose for the Hunterian museum in relation to access, equality and diversity as an integral part of the service. As Monica Callaghan, Head of Education said “everyone benefits from improving access”.
How was this project promoted?
The project was promoted as part of a development for the Hunterian’s bicentenary celebrations through customised programmes created in partnership with staff and service users of Sense Scotland. There was an exhibition event at the end of the project.
What type of evaluation was done?
The project made used of Questionnaire and semi structured interviews with participants for evaluation and measuring outcome against aims and objectives.
Associated Images
Categories
Learning
Access
Project Start
1st Oct 2009
Project End
1st Nov 2009
Published
9th Oct 2009
Who Led?
Hunterian Museum
Who else took part?
Others involved in the project were Sense Scotland, Disabled people, Inclusion Scotland, Secondary schools pupils and Special Educational Needs Schools
Who Paid?
Museums Galleries Scotland
How Much?
£2000.00