Appendix

Printed Materials

This checklist is for all printed materials--free or sold--targeted for the general public and staff. This includes, but is not limited to, general brochures, catalogs, staff training brochures, staff and public newsletters, books, magazines, and educational materials. Assess each document against the criteria: I. Design as well as II. Content

1. Design
   1. The main body of text is set in a minimum 12-point type.
   2. Leading is at least 20% greater than the font size used.
   3. Letter spacing leaves letters uncrowded.
   4. The main body of text is set in caps and lower case.
   5. The are a maximum of 60 characters (average) per line.
   6. The margins are flush left and ragged right unless right justification can be accomplished without greatly uneven spacing within the text line.
   7. Little or no hyphenation is used at ends of lines.
   8. The typeface used for main text is either a sans serif or a simple serif.
   9. No extreme extended or compressed typefaces are used for main text.
   10. Oblique or italic typestyles are used only for foreign words and publications citations.
   11. Underlining does not connect with the letters being underscored.
   12. The color contrast of type to background--either dark on light or light on dark--is high (a 70% contrast is recommended).
   13. The color contrast of drawings or other illustrations to background is as high as the type contrast.
   14. Photographs meant to convey information have a wide range of gray scale variation.
   15. Line drawings and floor plans are clear and bold, with only necessary detail and minimum 8-point type.
   16. No type or illustrations are printed over other designs, photographs, graphics, or text.
   17. Ink coverage is dense.
   18. The paper surfaces are matte (i.e., not a glossy, coated stock). Dull coated stock is acceptable.
   19. The paper has sufficient weight to avoid "show-through" on pages printed on both sides.
   20. If you do not meet all of the above criteria, you must provide a separate, large- print version of this publication.
   21. The large-print version meets all of the following criteria:
       1. type size minimum 16 points
       2. for 16 pt, there must be a minimum of four points of leading between lines
       3. sans-serif or simple-serif typeface
       4. The main body of text is set in caps and lower case
       5. There are a maximum of 50 characters (average) per line.
       6. no oblique or italic typefaces
       7. underlining does not connect with the letters being underscored
       8. no broken letters
       9. ink coverage is dense
       10. the color contrast of typeface to background--either dark on light or light on dark--is high (a 70% contrast is recommended)
       11. the color contrast of drawings or other illustrations to background is as high as the type contrast
       12. photographs have a wide range of gray scale variation
       13. line drawings or floor plans are clear and bold, with limited detail and minimum 14- point type
       14. no type or illustrations are printed over other designs, photographs, graphics, or text
       15. stock is off-white or natural with matte finish (maximum size 216 mm x 279 mm [8 1/2 in. x 11 in.])
       16. paper is sufficient weight to prevent "show-through" printing
       17. margins are flush left and ragged right
       18. little or no hyphenation is used at ends of lines
       19. gutter margins are a minimum of 22 mm (7/8 in.); outside margin smaller but not less than 13 mm (1/2 in.)
       20. document has a flexible binding, preferably one that allows the publication to lie flat

   22. The printed material is also available in Grade 2 Braille. (For those materials available on demand [e.g. museum general information brochures], two copies should always be available. For those materials ordered by phone or letter, a statement in them that Braille copies are available--in the same turnaround time as regular print-- is sufficient.)

   23. The printed material is also available on audio cassette. (For those materials available on demand [e.g. museum general information brochures], two copies should always be available. For those materials ordered by phone or letter, a statement in them that audio copies are available--in the same turnaround time as regular print--is sufficient.)

   24. The audio cassette meets all of the following criteria:
       1. The audio cassette version is sound-indexed for easy choice of starting and stopping points for listening.
       2. The audio cassette version presents clear, high-quality sound.

   25. The printed material is available in a word processing format on disk.
   26. Availability of the alternative formats is prominently advertised within the text.

2. Content
   1. Text is written in clear, straightforward English (acknowledging the need for subject- specific, technical language in professional journals).

   2. Pictorial information supports the text.

   3. Information on accommodations available to people with disabilities is integrated into other service information.

   4. As with cultural and gender equity, where appropriate, information about the life experiences of people with disabilities is included in the content.

   5. When included, information regarding people with disabilities uses language that is correct and appropriate. (See page A.7 for appropriate language.)

Language that appropriately describes persons with disabilities

Notes to remember:

People with disabilities are not suffering from, victims of, or afflicted by their disabilities.

They are not overcoming their disabilities so much as the barriers that the rest of society puts in front of them.

People with disabilities are neither saints nor the worst of sinners--they do not want to be portrayed as courageous or tortured, but rather as individuals who find alternative means to accomplish everyday activities.

People with disabilities do not have special needs, but do require certain accommodations to make the best use of museums--programs, exhibitions, and facilities.

People with disabilities make up the largest so-called minority group in the United States. We are talking about 43 million (and growing) of us, not them.

The following 12 symbols, along with accompanying text, were developed for the Disability Access Project by the Graphic Artists Guild Foundation*. These symbols may be used to promote and publicize accessibility of places, programs, and other activities for people with various disabilities.

Copies of these symbols in both positive and negative form are available on either PC or Mac disk for $16.45 (including shipping)** from:

Graphic Artists Guild Foundation

11 West 20th Street, 8th Floor

New York, NY 10011-3704

212-463-7730

FAX: 212-463-8779

These symbols may also be downloaded from the Graphic Artists Guild Foundation at its website

www.gag.org (for its home page)

Click on the GAG Foundation Icon

*The Office of Special Constituencies, National Endowment for the Arts also provided support and technical assistance for this project.

**In New York State cost is $17.80.

General information

Any language accompanying the symbols should focus on the accommodation or service, not on who uses it. For example, "Ramped Entrance" may accompany the wheelchair symbol. This is important because not only do individuals in wheelchairs use ramps, but so do people with baby carriages, luggage, etc. Language that fosters dignity is important, too. For example, "Reserved Parking" or "Accessible Parking" may be used with the wheelchair symbol to indicate parking spaces designated for people with disabilities.

1. Information Symbol:
   The most valuable commodity of today's society is information; to a person with a disability, it is essential. For example, the symbol may be used on signage or on a floorplan to indicate the location of the information or security desk, where there is more specific information or materials concerning access accommodations and services such as "LARGE PRINT" materials, audio cassette recordings of materials, or sign-interpreted tours.
   

2. International Symbol of Accessibility:
   The wheelchair symbol should only be used to indicate access for individuals with limited mobility, including wheelchair users. For example, the symbol is used to indicate an accessible entrance or bathroom or that a phone is lowered for wheelchair users. Remember that a ramped entrance is not completely accessible if there are no curb cuts. An elevator is not accessible if it can only be reached via steps.
   

3. Live Audio description:
   A service for people who are blind or have low vision that makes the performing and visual arts accessible. A trained Audio Describer offers live commentary or narration (via headphones and a small transmitter) consisting of concise, objective descriptions of visual elements. For example, a theater performance or a visual arts exhibition at a museum may be audio described.
   

4. Audio description for TV, Video and Film:
   This service makes television, video, and film more accessible for persons who are blind or have low vision. Description of visual elements is provided by a trained Audio Describer through the Secondary Audio Program (SAP) of televisions and monitors equipped with stereo sound. An adapter for non-stereo TVs is available through the American Foundation for the Blind, 800-829-0500.
   

5. Accessible Print:
   The symbol for large print is "Large Print" printed in 18 point or larger text. In addition to indicating that large-print versions of books, pamphlets and museum guides are available, use of the symbol on conference or membership forms can indicate that print materials are available in large format. Sans serif or modified serif print with good contrast is highly recommended, and special attention should be paid to letter and word spacing.
   

6. Access (Other Than Print or Braille) for Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision:
   This symbol may be used to indicate access for people who are blind or have low vision, including a guided tour, a path to a nature trail or a scent garden in a park; and a tactile tour or a museum exhibition that may be touched.
   

7. Braille Symbol:
   This symbol indicates that printed matter is available in Braille, including exhibition labeling, publications, and signage.
   

8. Telephone Typewriter (TTY):
   Also known as text telephone (TT), or telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), TTY indicates a device used with the telephone (and the phone number) for communication between deaf, hard of hearing, speech-impaired, and/or hearing persons.
   

9. Sign-Language Interpreted:
   The symbol indicates that Sign-Language Interpretation is provided for a lecture, tour, performance, conference, or other program.
   

10. Assistive Listening Systems:
    These systems transmit amplified sound via hearing aids or headsets. They include infrared, loop, and FM systems. Portable systems may be available from the same audiovisual equipment suppliers that service conferences and meetings.
    

11. Volume Control Telephone:
    This symbol indicates the location of telephones that have handsets with amplified sound and/or adjustable volume controls.
    

12. Closed Captioning (CC):
    This symbol indicates that a television program or videotape is closed captioned for deaf or hard-of-hearing persons (and others). TV sets that have a built-in or a separate decoder are equipped to display dialogue for programs that are captioned. The Television Decoder Circuitry Act of 1990 requires new TV sets (with screens 330 mm [13 in.] or larger) to have built-in decoders as of July 1993. Also, videos that are part of exhibitions may be closed captioned using the symbol with instructions to press a button for captioning.
    

13. International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss
    This symbol (the only one that is not part of the Disability Access Project) is the International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss. It may be used when access is provided for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
    

Fig. 1 Including people with disabilities in exhibit text

(Text Courtesy Arthur M. Sackler Gallery)

The Professional Basketmaker

When he was three years old, Hiroshima Kazuo dislocated his hip, an injury that was considered untreatable and left him with a permanent limp. Kazuo was therefore unable to help his parents and seven siblings work their fields, which were terraced along a mountainside; neither, as the second son, would he inherit any land. And so he became an apprentice to a local basketmaker at fifteen, taking up the life of an itinerant basketmaker three years later.

Fig. 2 Use language that appropriately describes people with disabilities

YES:
People with disabilities
People who are deaf or hard of hearing
People who are blind or have low vision
Wheelchair users
People with mobility impairments
People with cognitive disabilities
People with mental illness
People with learning disabilities

NO:
The handicapped, The disabled The blind, The sightless
The hearing impaired, deaf mute
those confined to wheelchairs, wheelchair bound
the crippled, the lame
the retarded, the mentally deficient
schizophrenic (as a generic), the insane
dyslexic (as a generic), the retarded

Fig. 3 Average viewing sightlines

Figure shows average viewing sightlines for a person standing and for a person using a wheel chair.

Fig. 4 Protruding object hazard

(figure shows cane user in contact with wall mounted object/casing)
Objects mounted above 685 mm (27 in.) are a hazard for cane users.

Fig. 5 Protruding object warning

(figure shows cane user in contact with floored object)

Fig. 6 Height of table case

(figure shows wheelchair user and standing individual both able to view encased exhibit contents)

Fig. 7 Alternate access using photographs of objects

Figure shows person looking at a photo of an airplane. The actual airplane hangs above head level.

Fig. 8 Accessible lighting levels

Accessible Lighting Levels
Ambient lighting, 50-300 lx, 5-30 fc
Text panels, 100-300 lx, 10-30 fc
Controls, 100 lx, 10 fc
Directional signage, 200-300 lx, 20-30 fc
Specimens, objects, 100-300 lx, 10-30 fc
Ramps, Stairs, 100-300 lx, 10-30 fc
Visitor pathways, 100,-300 lx, 10-30 fc

Fig. 9 Sample of Audio description text

Sample of audiodescription script (for film: "Destiny in Space")
Courtesy the National Air and Space Museum

Fig. 10 Writing a short overview paragraph

(overview is first paragraph shown here in boldface)

Text courtesy the Center for African American History and Culture

Visual Journal: Harlem and D.C. in the Thirties and Forties Photographers were honored members of the African American community during the 1930's and 1940's. They recorded the lives of black people, their cultures, and the changes of African American experience in the United States at that time. This exhibition shows you the work of seven photographers who documented people and events in Washington, D.C., New York City's Harlem, and rural Virginia.

Photographers are visual storytellers. They illustrate our place in society, document our dreams, and preserve powerful memories. In the 1930's and 1940's, in cities all over America, the black public was enthusiastic about having their image preserved at the local studio. They enshrined their local photographers who encouraged by the numerous...

Fig. 11 Line drawings, silhouettes, and photographs aid comprehension

Drawings and text courtesy the National Museum of African Art.

Vessel-- Before 1930. Teke peoples, Congo and Zaire. Fired Clay, incised decoration, slip. Ex-collection. J Walsharts 89-13-49.

Water Jar -- Before 1920. Songo people, Zaire and Angola. Fired clay, incised decoration. 89-13-6

Fig. 12 Accessible type by probable viewing distance

Probable viewing distance, Interpretive exhibits minimum type size (Helvetica reg.) X-Height, mm(in.), Set size (pt)

less than 75 mm (3 in.), 4.5 (3/16), 24 1 m (39 in.), 9 (3/8), 48
2 m (78 in.), 19 (3/4), 100
3 m (118 in.), 28 (1-1/8), 148
Courtesy Parks Canada, Design Guidelines for Media Accessibility

Fig. 13 Font Proportions

-- courtesy Parks Canada, Design Guidelines for Media Accessibility

The proportions of a font refer to its width, x-height, and weight, and contribute to legibility.

Width (percentage of width to height of the upper-case 'X') should be 65% to 95% for accessibility. This includes most condensed roman or regular fonts (Helvetica Regular is 89%). Serifs bias this figure somewhat; allowable widths in this would be 75%-105%. Extended faces (with widths greater than 95% for sans serif, 105% for serif) are less readable. If width is adjusted using desktop publishing software (horizontal scaling), care should be taken not to exceed the recommended proportions.

X-height (percentage of width of the vertical stoke of the lowercase 'x= to the uppercase 'X') should be 65%-75%. Few fonts have higher 'x-heights (Helvetica regular is 72.5%) if a font with a lower x-height is used, the type size shall be increased to achieve readability).

Weight (percentage of width of the vertical stroke of the lower-case 'x' to the heights of the upper-case 'X') should be 10%-15% for text. This corresponds roughly to the roman or regular proportions (Helvetica Regular is 12%). Certain faces, generally serfs, have 'thicks' and 'thins' in their stroke weights; these faces are more readable if the thicks are 10%-15% of the height of the upper-case 'X' and the thins are no less than 5%.

1 Accessible for text: Helvetica Regular
2 Not accessible (too light): Helvetica Light
3 Not accessible (too bold): Helvetica Bold

Fig. 14 Font samples

Courtesy Parks Canada, Design Guidelines for Media Accessibility

Accessible for text (weight 3%, x-height 3%, width 3%)

Serif:
Times Roman (11, 69, 105)
New Century Schoolbook (13, 71, 103)

Sans Serif:
Helvetica (12, 72.5, 89)
Univers 45 (7, 71, 84)
Futura Light (6, 61, 63)
Decorative:
Linoscript (9, 31, 130)

Fig. 15 Notes on "Legibility" and "Readability"

Legibility and readability are different concepts. 'Legibility' refers to how the design of letter forms that make up a particular font influences word recognition. Legibility contributes to 'readability', or the ease of reading, which is determined by the combined impact of certain type size, kerning, line and word spacing, and line length.

A particular font may evoke a certain mood or time period, but may not be very legible if used for text. For instance, a designer who wishes to display a letter in a script font to suggest it was written with a quill pen should treat the letter as an illustration, rather than as text. If the letter contains important information, a transcription in legible font should be provided.

Fig. 16 Illustrations that support verbal instructions contribute to the overall effectiveness of the interactive activity

(Illustrations are associated with the following instructions)

Temperature Investigation
Do styrofoam cups keep liquids warmer than paper cups?
See-for-yourself: styrofoam versus paper
Use the cups, water supply and thermometers to check it out.
Does the amount of water in each cup make a difference?

Fig. 17 Forward reach of a person using a wheelchair

Note: x shall be less than or equal to 635 mm (25 in.); z shall be greater than or equal to it. When x is less than 510 mm (20 in.), then y shall be 1220 mm (48 in.) maximum. When x is 510 to 635 mm (20-25 in.), then y shall be 1120 mm (44 in.) maximum.

a. High forward reach
b. Maximum forward reach over an obstruction

Fig. 18 Side reach of a person using a wheelchair

a. High and Low side reach limits
b. Maximum side reach over an obstruction

Fig. 19 Providing work stations with seating minimizes the differences between seated and standing visitors

Fig. 20 Wheelchair turning space

a. 1525 mm (60 in.) diameter space
b. T-shaped space for 180 degree turns

Fig. 21 Dimensions of adult-sized wheelchair

Note: Footrests may extend further for very large people

From rear:
from base to handle: 36 inches
from base to armrest: 30 inches

From front:
from base to toe: 8 inches
from base to seat: 19 inches
from base to lab: 27 inches
from base to eye level: 43-51 inches

clear floor space: 760 mm (30 in.) by 1220 mm (48 in.)
from left rear wheel to right rear wheel: 26 inches
from rear wheel to front foot rest: 42 inches
from front left toe to right toe: 18 inches

Fig. 22 Minimum clear width for single wheelchair

side by side, from rear: 36 inches

Fig. 23 Minimum clear width for two wheelchairs

60 inches

Fig. 24 Width of accessible route

a. 90 degree turn
b. turns around an obstruction

Fig. 25 Overhead hazards

There must be at least 2030 mm (80 in) of clear head room along the circulation route.

Obstacles to be avoided include overhanging works of art, exhibit props, ceiling-mounted signs, plants, and low space under items such as escalators.

Fig. 26 Cane detection of wall hung case

Wall hung objects with bottom edges below 685 mm (27 in.) alert cane users to their presence.

Fig. 27 Cane technique

A cane user will detect objects within a sweep that extends approximately 150 mm (6 in.) to either side of his shoulders

Fig. 28 Changes in level

a. less than 6.4 mm (1/4 in.)
b. between 6.5 mm and 13 mm (1/4-1/2 in.)

Fig. 29 Table case height

Maintaining base of table case at 685 mm (27 in.) above floor provides both cane detection and knee space for wheelchair users.

Fig. 30 Case heights for accessible viewing

(figure shows cases of varying heights and widths measured from base to top)

Fig. 31 Seating

Accessible spaces adjacent to fixed seating allow a person in a wheelchair to sit with persons with whom they may be traveling.

Fig. 32 Wheelchair seating dispersed throughout seating area

Source: UFAS Retrofit Manual

Spaces for people using wheelchairs must be an integral part of the seating plan and must always be near fixed seating. Examples follow:

837 mm (33 in.) by 1200 mm (48 in.) space for single wheelchair.
1525 mm (60 in.) by 1220mm (48 in.) midpoint position for two wheelchairs: omit six chairs or install movable chairs
1675 mm (66 in.) by 1220 mm (48 in.) Additional single and double wheelchair spaces may be provided using removable seats
1675 mm (66 in.) by 1220 mm (48 in.) back or front row position for two wheelchairs; omit three chairs (parked wheelchairs should not obstruct other pedestrian traffic)
Aisle width must allow passage of wheelchair users; fire codes should be consulted to determine required width

a. forward or rear access
b. side access

The hard-copy document was prepared on a Power Macintosh 7100/66.
Type is Helvetica regular and bold set 12/15.

Project Director Janice Majewski
Content Advisors Virginia Mahoney; Diana Cohen Altman
Editing Diana Cohen Altman
Design Virginia Mahoney
Illustration Credits

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery: Figure 1

Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG): Figures 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 33

Center for African American History and Culture: Figure 10

Museum of Science, Boston, MA: Figure 16

National Air and Space Museum: Figure 9

National Museum of African Art: Figure 11

Parks Canada Design Guidelines for Media Accessibility: Figures: 8,12,13, 14, 15

UFAS Retrofit Manual: Figure 32

Additional drawings by Stevan Fisher:
Figures: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 19, 26, 29, 30, 31
Note: figures 3,6, and 30 are based on drawings by Barrier Free Environments, In., in The Arts and 504: A 504 Handbook for Accessible Arts Programming.