VISUALLY IMPAIRED USERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF TACTILE MOCK-UPS AT TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: A STUDY AT OSCAR NIEMEYER MUSEUM IN CURITIBA - PR - BRAZIL

ABSTRACT:

According to the United Nations (UN), the amount of people with some kind of disability is estimated at one thousand million. Of these, 285 million have some kind of visual impairment. A particular form of communication is needed for these people, through a sensory or tactile interpretation of the built space, such as tactile models. This study reflects on the perception and experience of visually impaired users of the Oscar Niemeyer Museum. The analysis of these perceptions shared by the visitors was carried out using post-occupation evaluation, with the Walkthrough, Wish Poem and Behavioral Map methods, structured interviews, and non-participant observation. Analysis of the results showed the importance of being able to touch the model, as well as the audio description of the site and the creation of a mental image, which favored the inclusion of these individuals in the tourist activity. The research also showed a difference in perceptions of those born with sight impairment and those with acquired sight impairment. Finally, the research showed the importance of fostering accessibility and accessible tourism, as well as the need to prepare tourist attractions with accessible devices to meet this growing demand.

KEYWORDS:
accessible tourism; perception; tactile communication; tactile mock-up