What We Offer
Customized Program Design and Training for Welcoming Blind and Low Vision Audiences
We have several "Levels of Engagement" for your organization to consider, ranging from a short walk through to brainstorm ideas and think through possibilities for programs, all the way to full engagement of our services where we fully design, market, organize and host tours and workshops.
We also offer a custom designed three hour training program for your staff, docents and volunteers where we discuss disability etiquette and sensitivity when working with a blind and low vision audience.
Initial Visit
Our team will visit you on site to discuss your thoughts and ideas about creating an inclusionary experience for people who are blind/low vision. You may be considering a touch and sensory tour, a handling workshop, a verbally described experience or a combination of all three. During our 2 hour visit we will be happy to consider all options and talk about what might work best and whether or not you would like to enter into a more collaborative relationship.
Level 1: Assessment
Our team offers an initial walkthrough of your cultural institution/museum that includes an assessment of safe navigation routes and suggestions for objects and exhibitions with accessible and touch/sensory components that can be adapted and included for visitors who are blind or low vision. We will provide a written report and assessment with guidelines for staff and volunteers.
Level 2: Custom Designed Accessible Tour and Workshop
Our team offers an initial walkthrough of your museum or cultural institution (see Level 1) and the development of a multi sensory and accessible program that includes the design of a tour and related workshop for inclusive cultural engagement for blind and low vision visitors. At the conclusion of the 6 month project the institution may then adopt the tour/workshop program for their own use:
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Initial walkthrough with written assessment
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Development of a multi-sensory tour and related workshop with written objectives and goals.
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Engagement of Vision Council (a group of blind/low vision consultants)
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Custom narrative related to touchable/sensory artifacts during tour and related workshop
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One 3-hour training for museum staff (max 20 participants)
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Presentation of documented materials at conclusion of program design Time Frame: 6-month development
Level 3: Philly Touch Tours Partnership Program
Our team offers an invested and detailed collaboration. Philly Touch Tours will design, develop and offer a year-long series of up to 10 tactile and multi sensory programs in the galleries/permanent exhibition space, with related, custom designed and workshops. Tactile diagrams and large print information to enhance the program for blind and low vision visitors will also be provided.
Partnership Program includes:
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Initial walkthrough of museum/cultural institution with written assessment
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Accessibility Mission statement/rationale
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Work with museum staff to development sustainable sensory tours and related workshops with objectives and goals
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Engagement of advisory Vision Council made up of blind and low vision participants
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Two three hour trainings of museum/cultural institution staff in greeting/working with
visitors with vision loss
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Creation of a narrative about selected touchable/sensory artifacts on site and for a related workshop.
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Creation of a tour plan and script for guide/docent use
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Creation of large print information packs for guests
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Marketing/invitations for groups and organizations supporting members with vision loss (includes personal visits to groups),
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Hosting a preliminary tour/workshop to gather feedback and refine content with written documentation and oral surveys.
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Presentation of documented materials at conclusion of program design
Potential Additional responsibilities and costs for Museum/Cultural Institution:
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Professionally printed materials (including Braille and Large Print)
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Tactile materials, replica and artifacts, artist fees
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Original artifacts (maintenance and repair)
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Compensated entrance fees for visitors
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Transportation costs/Buses for visitors to and from the institution/museum
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Press Engagement
Time Frame: 12-month engagement
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Disability Awareness & Sensitivity Training for Blind and Low Vision Audiences
Philly Touch Tours provides Disability Awareness and Sensitivity Training for professionals in museums, cultural institutions, theaters, educational settings, and conference environments seeking to create more inclusive and accessible experiences for Blind and Low Vision audiences.
Is it appropriate to use words such as “look” and “see” when speaking with someone who is blind or has low vision? How do people with vision loss perceive and relate to color — and is it acceptable to ask about their experiences? What is the best way to offer assistance respectfully and confidently?
These questions — and many others — are explored through lively, engaging, and informative sessions led by Philly Touch Tours’ team of consultants. Our trainings challenge misconceptions and outdated stereotypes surrounding blindness and low vision, replacing uncertainty with open dialogue, practical guidance, and greater understanding. Participants gain insight into preferred language, effective visual description, respectful interaction, and inclusive techniques that help create welcoming environments for everyone.
Prior to each training, we visit your institution to develop a customized program tailored to your organization’s goals, audience, and environment, while incorporating current best practices for accessibility and inclusion for blind and low vision visitors.
Our team of experts includes members of our advisory council who are blind or have low vision — some blind from birth and others who have lost vision over time. Their lived experience brings authenticity, expertise, and meaningful perspective to every session, allowing participants to fully appreciate our guiding principle:
“Nothing About Us Without Us.”
We offer half day or full day training sessions.
Sighted Guide - Don't do this....................do this!
Custom Designed Disability Awareness/Sensitivity Training - 3 hrs