Accessibility for the Visually Impaired

Most of our exhibits have audio components, and some have tactile components. Many of the museum’s exhibits can be made accessible with help from a sighted person for visual interpretation of text, instructions, etc.

Tactile and/or verbal description tours given by our staff members can be arranged by contacting the museum. Two weeks advance notice is appreciated. Call the Curator of Education at (251) 208-1048 for more information or to schedule a tour.

Here is a list of exhibits in the museum that are accessible or that can be made accessible for the visually impaired:

Deck 1A-Navigation and Ship Building

Plank a Boat-tactile exhibit
Full Steam Ahead– tactile, needs assistance from sighted person to interpret the text.
Set Sail-tactile exhibit
Satellites– tactile exhibit, needs assistance from sighted person to interpret the text.

Deck 2A- The Economy of the Gulf

Cargo Hauler– tactile exhibit, need sighted person to describe the different types of pulleys
Nautical Knots– tactile exhibit, needs assistance from a sighted person in interpreting text and demonstrating the activities

Deck 3-History of the Gulf

Port of Victory movie– audio exhibit
El Cazador– audio exhibit
The Hunley– audio exhibit
Pelican Girls– audio exhibit
Fishing Rodeo/Oysters– audio exhibit
Riverboat Run– audio exhibit, needs description of visual components from sighted person.

Deck 3A- Ecology of the Gulf

The Crow’s Nest-audio and tactile wind exhibit
E.O. Wilson’s Field Lab Movie– audio exhibit
Deep Explorer– tactile exhibit, needs description and input from sighted person

Deck 4-History of the Gulf

Offshore Platforms -audio exhibit

Deck 5- Take the Helm

Take the Helm– a ship pilot simulator with audio, needs description and input from sighted person
Sound Signals – audio exhibit, needs a short description of text from a sighted person
From Ship to Ship– audio exhibit