Interpretation for Handicapped Persons

Abstract

The traditional methods of interpretation have placed most of the emphasis on presentation, form, and accuracy of content. These points remain important, but if the audience to whom the program is directed is not understood, the program will be a failure. There is a diversity of people found in recreation areas. Recent efforts in interpretive research have emphasized the need to include the audience as a factor in interpretive planning. This paper has been concerned with one such audience, the handicapped, and its purpose is to provide interpretive suggestions based on knowledge of their individual requirements.

One cannot conclude that because people have some physical or mental impairment, their needs for outdoor recreation, or abilities to benefit from it, are impaired. Rather, variations in interpretive approaches are required to match these unique visitors with a message. In many cases very little modification will be required.

Blind: As only five to ten percent of blind people read Braille, information can be best presented by way of sound, such as by use of cassette tape players. No special guiding apparatus is necessary; they move throughout the rest of the world without guide ropes or kickrails, and the interpretive setting is no different.

Deaf: If interpreters would use fingerspelling or some sign language, they could make some of their programs available to deaf persons.

Deaf-Blind: Because deaf-blind visitors would usually be accompanied by someone who is not handicapped, no special accommodations are necessary.

Mentally Retarded: Interpretation that is geared to their particular level of comprehension and which allows total personal involvement is the most satisfactory.

Ambulatory Limitations: Facilities made accessible and navigable is all that is necessary.