Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Although great steps have been taken to advance social inclusion by improving physical accessibility of public spaces, those with invisible disabilities such as aphasia remain excluded due to inaccessible information and few communication alternatives. The proposed project involves member of the Montreal museum of fine arts (MMFA) and researchers who are jointly preoccupied by challenges faced by individuals with communication limitations when visiting the MMFA. Discussions thus far have been informed by a preliminary pilot study that surveyed individuals with aphasia and their caregivers on the accessibility of information and communication in public spaces. Results of our pilot survey suggest that most public spaces are not equipped to provide alternative means of communication and information for this population. Thus, many of the participants claimed that they avoid going to such places due to the obstacles and anxiety they face. While the team's ultimate goal is to provide optimal, alternative means for individuals with aphasia to navigate and enjoy the museum, before a satisfactory solution can be created first we must assess their actual experience and needs when visiting this space. A guided walk-through with the individuals and caregivers will assess their needs in terms of the environment and the obstacles they face when they navigate the museum and attempt to understand its exhibits. This in-situ assessment constitutes the proposed innovation phase of our long-term inclusivity initiative by bringing together patients, caregivers and team members to collaboratively explore the challenges and hurdles posed by a visit to the museum in order to jointly identify and implement preferred solutions.