PARTNERING WITH GUIDE DOGS
In partnership with Guide Dogs, for the first time visitors with sight loss can touch familiar props, including the wands of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Voldemort – and even feel the intricate design of the all-powerful Elder Wand, allowing those with visual impairments to immerse themselves into the world of Harry Potter and experience the filmmaking magic.
The introduction of the Tactile Tours is the latest enhancement to the Studio Tour as part of the year-long partnership with Guide Dogs, focused on bringing best practice in accessibility for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Individuals with a visual impairment, including children and young people, guide dog owners and buddy dog families were invited to visit the Studio Tour to offer feedback on how to improve the experience for people with a visual impairment. Their personal insight helped influence the Tactile Tours by highlighting elements of the tour which could be brought to life through touch.
Costumes worn by the infamous Death Eaters and other characters from the fan-favourite film series, as well as fabrics from Professor Trelawney’s Divination classroom, will be available for visitors with visual impairment to touch. Visitors will also be able to get closer to magical creatures by stroking a section of Aragog’s prickly leg, and they will get to touch the treasure found in Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
To conclude this new experience, the iconic Hogwarts castle model has been transformed into a raised, tactile floorplan so visitors with sight loss can trail their way through their favourite locations using their fingertips.
Staff at the Studio Tour completed training created by Guide Dogs to teach best practices when helping visitors with sight loss. The training covered topics such as how to approach someone with sight loss, navigate narrow or busy spaces, steps and doorways, within the Studio Tour.
The team also received bespoke in-person practical sighted guided training, which was delivered by Guide Dogs, including how to safely guide someone with sight loss with confidence, skill and empathy. The sessions included advice on language and communication and how the power of description and use of the senses can be used to bring the experience to life.
