Museums accessible thanks to virtual tour
Bradford's museums have now become more accessible with the launch of a virtual tour.
Four of Bradford Council's Museums will be able to see galleries and exhibits at the click of a computer mouse.
The tour is down to work by staff in the Disability Discrimination Act Task Team and facilities management and has been overseen and carried out by the facilities management team.
The information is provided in three formats: audio, text and British Sign Language and Bradford Council is one of the forerunners in providing information in these formats.
The virtual tour facilities comprise of a computer kiosk on the ground floor of the museum with an adjustable table and chair. The tour starts with a view of one of the galleries, and the user can 'move' to another room by clicking on a thumbnail image on the screen. In each virtual room there are a number of exhibits which can be clicked to open up for further information.
The tour is available at Bolling Hall, Bradford Industrial Museum, the Manor House in Ilkley and Cliffe Castle in Keighley. They are not needed at Cartwright Hall and the Bradford 1 Gallery in Centenary Square because these galleries are accessible.
Large plasma screens at Cliffe Castle, Bolling Hall and Bradford Industrial Museum will also display the information so that school groups or other large groups can see the information together.
Deputy Council Leader Coun Dale Smith said: "We are committed to making our buildings as accessible as possible and this is a fantastic way of opening up our museums for everyone to enjoy. We have so many great exhibitions at our museums and this allows even more residents and visitors to enjoy them.
"The virtual tour means that families or groups of people can all share the experience of the museum together and I am so pleased to be attending the launch to see what an impact the tour will have."
Access to the ground floor areas have been improved along with new toilet facilities and external parking bays.
Media Relations Officer:
Helen Roberts
Telephone: 01274 433526
Fax: 01274 432005
Email: press.communications@bradford.gov.uk
Date: 22.02.08
