Investigation of priority needs in terms of museum service accessibility for visually impaired visitors

This study investigates the priority needs of museum service accessibility for visually impaired visitors. For this purpose, conjoint analysis was utilized. Four conjoint attributes of museum services were selected: A — facilities for wayfinding; B — exhibitions and collections including objects for touching, hearing, smelling, etc.; C — information in braille, audio and large print; and D — assistance and interpretation by museum staff and volunteers. Participants were 30 visually impaired adults ranging in age from teenagers to septuagenarians. The results revealed that the priority needs in services for visually impaired visitors were accessibility to exhibitions and collections, and staff assistance. This finding was also supported by statements gathered in interviews. Based on this result, the potential for promoting museum accessibility for the visually impaired population in Japan is discussed.