Inclusive Exhibition Design

Inclusive exhibition design is more than meeting guidelines established by the American with Disabilities Act. it needs to be thought about in a holistic framework which utilizes universal design principles and takes into account some of the challenges our visitors may have such as low visual acuity, autism, physical mobility limitations, English as a second language, and/or sensory processing challenges.

Throughout my career, I have created bilingual and trilingual exhibitions. During my tenure at the San Diego Natural History Museum, that process was refined and all exhibit interpretation is produced bilingually.

Throughout my career I have created curriculum that supports  exhibitions and are aligned with current standards. At the San Diego Natural History Museum our curriculum aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core. They are produced in both English and Spanish and are downloaded from around the United States and Mexico, as well as from Central and South American countries. 

I have facilitated numerous trainings for front line and security staff on the difference between emotional support and service animals. Trainings are based upon the guidelines of the Department of Justice definition of service animals and the American with Disabilities Act so staff are better prepared to address, what can sometimes be, a touchy issue.

Social stories are guides to help prepare individuals with autism for social interactions and public events. During my tenure at the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Museum was awarded an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant to engage young adults with autism to co-create social stories for seven museums in Balboa Park in San Diego, California. 

I have facilitated numerous inclusion trainings at museums across the United States about autism and sensory processing challenges. The purpose of the trainings is to guide museums in how to better serve these audiences in their galleries and in their educational programs with the end goal of these individuals having a successful museum experience.