Multisensory Museum Exhibits w/ Cheryl Fogle-Hatch

In this episode, we sit down with Cheryl Fogle Hatch, a trailblazer who talks about how she has navigated the world as a totally blind individual. Cheryl shares her personal experiences and insights into how she expertly navigates both her daily life and her work using technology like screen readers, VoiceOver, and TalkBack to access grants, research documents, and other essential information. Cheryl also discusses her journey through archaeology and museum work, where she found joy in connecting with artifacts in the collections area through touch. However, she noticed that public museum displays were often behind glass, making it difficult for others to engage with the exhibits in the same way. Seeing an opportunity to make museums more inclusive, Cheryl founded MuseumSense, a business that creates tactile replicas of artifacts, allowing individuals of all abilities to interact with and experience history in a more hands-on way. In our conversation, we also explore the different kinds of tactile experiences that can be used to make museum exhibits more accessible, including braille, sculptures, 3D prints, and even patchwork. Cheryl offers insights into how each approach can enhance the hands-on experience for visitors, making it more inclusive for people with diverse needs. She would love to do more research in tactile design. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about accessibility, innovation, and creating more inclusive spaces for everyone.