Start Date: May 13, 2023
End Date: May 13, 2023
From: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
The El Paso Museum of History is actively working to make the Museum a space that is accessible and engaging for all visitors. Every second Saturday, the Museum of History will host low-sensory hours between 10 AM and 1 PM. During this time, lights are dimmed in the exhibits, and sound is lowered. Visitors can also enjoy easy hands-on crafts and access to different quiet spaces. This free initiative launched in April 2023 to coincide with Autism Awareness Month.
Amenities:
The El Paso Museum of History offers the following amenities upon request for all visitors during operating hours:
- Noise-reducing headphones
- Wheelchairs
- Individual quiet space with low lighting, fidget toys, and weighted lap pads
Background:
Phase one of the Museum’s accessibility initiative began in July of 2022 with a summer camp hosted in partnership with Fab Lab El Paso. Over the course of a week, a group of high school students were taught how to scan, model, and print 3D objects while also learning about the history of the disability rights movement in the United States and universal design principles. Students were also given the opportunity to meet with a representative from the El Paso Council of the Blind, who shared more about their experience navigating the built environment with a visual impairment. At the end of the week, participants unveiled a small pop-up exhibit, titled “In Touch with the Past.” The pop-up unveiled three 3D-printed replicas of artifacts that are now part of the Museum’s permanent exhibit, “Changing Pass: People, Land, & Memory.” Students also showcased braille signage and QR codes with audio descriptions they created as part of their exhibition. The program received an award from the Texas Association of Museums.
This April, the El Paso Museum of History will permanently integrate the 3D artifact replicas from the camp and four additional replicas printed by Fab Lab El Paso into its permanent exhibition. The objects can be handled by the public and include braille labels and QR codes that link to audio descriptions of the objects. EPMH is currently working to develop and implement phase two of our accessibility initiatives in partnership with community groups.
This project was made possible in part thanks to support from the El Paso Community Foundation, El Paso Electric’s Community Partner Program, and Marathon’s Community Investment Program.
