As we work to prepare children to reach their highest potential in the sighted world, we also strive to help make the sighted world reach its highest potential of accessibility. To do that, Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired (CCVI) has launched a new program offered to community organizations that ensures individuals who are blind or visually impaired have access to beloved experiences in Kansas City and surrounding areas.    

To kick off this program, we have partnered with the WWI Museum and Memorial to help further their mission of accessibility. Over the last several months, Haley Sheriff, WWI Learning and Engagement Specialist, and Brooke Leisinger-Smith, Guest Services Manager at the WWI Museum and Memorial began working with Alex Olson, CCVI’s Director of Vision Services, where they communicated their desire to become a more accessible establishment to the visually impaired community, specifically to veterans.  

As a large percentage of their visitors are veterans, many are often faced with age-related vision issues or vision complications due to injuries from their time in the line of duty.    

 “It’s a part of our mission to become a more accessible space for the community, both in terms of their ability and culture. We see a variety of visitors from across the globe and we want to make sure all our content can be accessed by anyone,” commented Haley Sherrif. “We see a huge visitorship of veterans, many of whom are visually impaired, so it’s really important to us to help tell those stories and help them access those stories.” 

Understanding WWI’s mission of accessibility, Olson got straight to work. She would conduct museum walkthroughs, orienting and navigating the halls, taking notes from various angles, studying the exhibits and lighting, and even viewing the museum through the lens of different visual impairments.   

“The items and space itself are so unique, and it can be so cool for someone with a visual impairment to visit. They already had some things that were accessible, but everyone at both CCVI and the museum and memorial wanted to take it to the next level, which is amazing,” says Olson.  

After collecting data, Olson suggested three new additions, which are currently in circulation: an Audio Stop Guide, a Visitors Guide in large print & braille, and an Orientation Guide. These three adaptive services would help individuals with visual impairments wonder about the museum more freely, interact with more exhibitions, and soak in the rich history written on the museum's walls.   

As we continue to work with the National WWI Museum and Memorial on their mission of accessibility, our hope is that other organizations realize the importance of accessibility and are inspired to take their first step in right direction of inclusive access. 

“You don’t know what people need and who is out there until you offer those adaptations and inclusive options,” states Olson. “We are hoping this partnership can open doors with other organizations to help our community become more accessible for our families, kids, and population.” 

To hear more about CCVI’s work with The National WWI Museum & Memorial, check out the latest episode of The Vision Mission. Click here to listen!