ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

Ann,

 There are a number of resources that provide information (and specifics 
on measurements) for the design of children's play spaces that are 
inclusive of children with disabilities. Below is a list of some of 
these resources.

With regards to your question about the percentage of exhibitions that 
are accessible, I don't think there is a good number that I can provide 
you with to guide your decision. I would say try to make as many 
exhibits as accessible as you can. However, I do think that is important 
to consider not just the physical access provided, but also whether 
you've designed a space that is socially inclusive and provides children 
with disabilities with equitable access to learning. In other words, 
does a child who uses a wheelchair (or has a cognitive, developmental, 
or sensory disability) have the same opportunity to learn the main 
messages or practice scientific inquiry in the exhibition, or has the 
design prohibited the child from learning the central goals and/or 
messages of the exhibition? Does the child have the opportunity to 
interact with other children and family members while using the 
exhibition?  When the child gets on the school bus, will he or she be 
able to share stories with the other children, or will the child feel 
left out of the conversation because all of the "cool" stuff was 
inaccessible? I think considering these questions will help to better 
guide your decisions about the accessibility of the exhibition than any 
numerical value could.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me off 
the list.

-Christine


        Suggested resources for further reading

Abend, A. C. (2001). /Planning and designing for students with 
disabilities/. Washington D. C.: National Clearinghouse for Educational 
Facilities. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility 
Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities; Play Areas, (2000).

Burkhour, C. (2003). /Playgrounds for ALL kids!/ Retrieved 8/4, 2004, 
from http://www.ncaonline.org/ncpad/play4all.shtml

Goldberg, C. (2000, August 17). For these trailblazers, wheelchairs 
matter/. New York Times,/ p. A1.

Gould, P., & Sullivan, J. (1999). /The inclusive early childhood 
classroom/. Beltsville, MD: Gryphon House.

Machalaba, D. (2003). A dream takes root: Treehouses for kids with 
disabilities/. The Wall Street Journal/.

Moore, R., Goltsman, S., & Iacofano, E. (Eds.). (1992). /Play for all 
guidelines: Planning, design and management of outdoor play settings for 
all children/. Berkeley, CA: MIG Communications.

National Center on Accessibility. (2003). /Access to play areas/. 
Retrieved 8/4, 2004, from 
http://www.ncaonline.org/playgrounds/play-areas.shtml

Zionts, P. (Ed.). (1997). /Inclusion strategies for students with 
learning and behavior problems: Perspectives, experiences, and best 
practices/. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.



Ann Wieding wrote:

>ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
>*****************************************************************************
>
>Hi-
>
>Our museum is currently developing an exhibit for children ages 3-8 yrs. old. We are looking for standard heights used for activitiy placement in an exhibit. There will be a variety of activities at different levels. Such as stand up table tops, seated table tops, water tables, and walk up to activities. We would like to also take in to consideration wheelchair access for children in this age range. Is there a percentage of overall activities made available to disabled children? What is a good balance for both height ranges? Is there any resource information available or documentation that others have used to develop exhibits that address this issue? Any information is greatly appreciated!
>
>Ann Wieding
>Lead Early Childhood Educator
>OMSI - Oregon Museum of Science & Industry
>1945 SE Water Ave.
>Portland, Or 97214
>503-797-4572
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>
>***********************************************************************
>More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
>Association of Science-Technology Centers may be found at http://www.astc.org.
>To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
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-- 
*********************************************************
Christine Reich
Manager of Informal Education Research and Evaluation
Museum of Science, Boston
[log in to unmask]
Phone (617) 589-0302
Fax (617) 589-0454
TTY (617) 589-0480
http://www.mos.org
********************************************************

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More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
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