Making content accessible for everyone

Tactile exhibit booklets feature animals of the Lewis and Clark Trail and their Indigenous names. The booklets use 3D printing to make both the text and images accessible for blind  visitors.

Photo: NPS

About this article: This article was originally published in the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Annual Report 2022.

Article by Caitlin Campbell. Interpretive Specialist, Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is committed to making our programming accessible for everyone. In 2022, we created a pilot version of a tactile exhibit book that includes braille text, raised lines, and textures for images. This year we also hosted a group from the American Council of the Blind and heard feedback on our tactile maps. New braille versions of our park brochure have been printed and can be requested by emailing [e-mail]. We’ve appreciated hearing reports from partners that the public is enjoying these products. We’ll continue working to ensure the Lewis and Clark Trail’s stories and information are available to all.

Do you have questions? Ideas? Reach out to us by emailing [e-mail].

Two visitors from the American Council of the Blind use the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail tactile map.

Photo: NPS

American Council of the Blind

In 2022, American Council of the Blind held its annual conference in Omaha, Nebrasaka. Conference attendees visited the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters Visitor Center in downtown Omaha. The group learned about the Lewis and Clark Trail and utlized braille brochures, braille exhibit books, and tactile maps. Group members gave feedback on these products.

Lewis and Clark Trail braille edition of the park "unigrid" brochure comes in a spiral bound notebook with braille transcription.

Photo: NPS

Braille "Unigrids"

The National Park Service's iconic black banded brochures, called "unigrids" are important tools to help visitors access information and provide information. The National Park Service's Harpers Ferry Center assisted Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in creating a braille version of our unigrid brochure. To request a copy, email [e-mail].

Child from a group visiting the Lewis and Clark Boathouse and museum feels the braille caption on the Lewis and Clark Trail tactile map.

Photo: Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Museum

Tactile map

In 2021, partner sites along the Lewis and Clark Trail recieved a tactle map of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. In 2022, we enjoyed hearing feedback from the field and hearing stories about blind visitors who were excited to use the map.

Accessibility

For accessibility information, visit the Accessibility tab on nps.gov/lecl. An accessible version of the 2022 Annual Report is also available on nps.gov/lecl.

Visit Accessibility Page