Accessible Kiosk at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
Fall brings many things to Wisconsin, like crisp air and beautiful scenery. I indulge in cinnamon ice cream, apple cider and pudding shots at Lumpy’s when the Packers score a touchdown. Autumn also brings about one of my favorite events in Wausau, the Birds in Art Exhibit at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum and a new accessible kiosk!
Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, 2017 Winner of the National Medal of Museum and Library Services, is one of my favorite Wausau destinations. So with the installation of the new accessible kiosk, they are living up to their 5 Wheelchair Star Rating!!
Master Artist Don Rambaut
I received an invite for the preview of the 2017 Birds in Art exhibit in September. Click here to read about the history of this annual event. This year’s featured master artist was Don Rambadt. My great grandmother had a love of owls, so his sculptures really touched my mom.
Amy Beck, the marketing director, guided us to the new accessible kiosk.. I decided to give it a try. The accessible kiosk sits on a table high enough for my chair to roll under. An extendable arm is attached to the accessible kiosk and stretches out to the edge of the table. Additionally, it can be maneuvered to tilt. The accessible kiosk is touchscreen and the keyboard pops up on the screen itself. However, I do have one critique. When pushed back to the wall, I am unable to reach it to pull the kiosk out by myself.
Accessible Kiosk at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
You may be asking yourself “A whole blog for an accessible kiosk?” Over kill? Not in the least! In this writer’s opinion anyway. There are so many things in my daily life in which I require assistance with.
So many little things people take for granted, as well as so many big things. If I am hungry, I need assistance for even the most basic snack. If my cat is hungry, I have to choose between asking for help or redecorating my floor with a million kibble! Yes, I have tried both ways!
Imagine going to vote in today’s political environment and having to shout out your vote. I have yet to wheel up to a voting kiosk in which I could vote privately and independently. I know this does not compare to typing in my name and address in a guestbook, but it gives you an idea of the many things able-bodied individuals take for granted.
Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum has been dedicated to providing a barrier free experience for visitors. Not just physical barriers, but all barriers that would prevent anyone from enjoying the museum experience. The new accessible kiosk is just one example of that dedication. I really enjoyed the experience of signing into a location independently for the very first time!
On my most recent trip, I did discover a new barrier at the museum. However, I classify this as a “self-induced” barrier! I had never used a magnifying glass before. I should mention that they are located in a very accessible spot. They did not, however, come with instructions. My mom burst out laughing when she turned around and watched my first attempt. Unfortunately for me, she was holding her camera!
Thank you Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum for once again making my Birds in Art tour an enjoyable and accessible success!
Until Next Time, Keep Rollin’ and Keep Smilin’!
#art #community #specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #barrierfree #disabilities #barriers #wheelchairadventures #independence #advocate #wheelchairtravel #Wisconsin #cerebralpalsy #wausauevents #advocating #Accessibility #obstacles #LeighYawkeyWoodsonArtMuseum #disability #artmuseum #disabled #adaptiveequipment #birdsinart #disabilityawareness #Wausau #wheelchair