Why Accessible Museums Matter: Moving from Awareness to Inclusion

This morning on Morning Cruise, we had an insightful conversation with Ofentse Manyane Brailly, Service Manager at Blind SA, about the importance of making South Africa's museums and cultural heritage spaces accessible to everyone.Blind SA, in partnership with the Iziko Museums of South Africa, will host a three-day workshop from 15 to 17 September in Cape Town under the theme:

"Why Accessible Museums Are Important: From Awareness to Inclusion."

The workshop aims to challenge museums and cultural institutions to move beyond simply raising awareness and begin implementing practical accessibility measures that create meaningful inclusion.During the interview, Ofentse explained that accessibility is much more than installing ramps and lifts. While these features are essential for people with mobility impairments, they do not address the needs of visitors who are blind or partially sighted.He pointed out that blind visitors often pay the same entrance fee as everyone else but are unable to enjoy the same museum experience because exhibits are primarily designed for sighted people. True inclusion means ensuring that every visitor can engage with and understand exhibitions in meaningful ways.

Accessible museums should offer information in a variety of formats, including:

• Braille

• Large-print materials

• Audio descriptions

• Tactile displays where visitors can safely touch selected objects

• QR codes linking to accessible digital content

Offense noted that these features benefit far more than just blind visitors. Older persons, people with dyslexia, and visitors with different learning needs also benefit from accessible communication.

Technology is opening new opportunities for inclusion. QR codes, smartphones, and audio guides can provide visitors with instant access to detailed descriptions of exhibits. However, Offense emphasised that technology should complement not replace traditional accessibility tools such as Braille, large print, and personal assistance.Creating accessible spaces requires a balanced approach that serves people with different abilities and levels of digital literacy.

From Awareness to Action

A major focus of the upcoming workshop is practical implementation.

Participants will receive hands-on training in:

• Guiding and assisting blind visitors.

• Basic Braille reading and writing.

• Orientation and mobility awareness.

• Creating welcoming and inclusive museum experiences.

Blind SA hopes museums will leave the workshop equipped with practical skills that can immediately improve accessibility for visitors.One of the strongest messages from the interview was the importance of involving persons with disabilities in planning accessible spaces.Ofentse reminded listeners that disability inclusion should never be an afterthought. Accessibility should be considered from the beginning of every project, ensuring that everyone can participate equally in South Africa's cultural and heritage experiences.He also encouraged members of the public to include blind friends and family members when visiting museums and cultural attractions, helping to create communities where everyone belongs.

Celebrating 80 Years of Blind SA

Blind SA is celebrating 80 years of empowering blind and partially sighted South Africans.As part of the celebration, the organisation has launched its "80 for 80" campaign, inviting members of the public to donate R80 to help provide assistive devices, rehabilitation services, and independence training to blind and partially sighted people across the country.

Learn More

To find out more about Blind SA, support its work, or follow its activities:

Website: www.blindsa.org.za

Telephone: 011 839 1793

Social Media: Follow Blind SA on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

At Morning Cruise, we believe conversations like these are essential in building a society where accessibility is recognised as a right—not a privilege. Together, we can ensure that our museums and cultural heritage truly belong to everyone.

Written by Esethu Thetha