Celebrating National Braille Day at the Intrepid Museum: Access You Can See—and Feel

Every January, National Braille Day honors the birthday of Louis Braille and recognizes the vital role braille plays in access, literacy and independence for people who are blind or have low vision.

At the Intrepid Museum, accessibility is not limited to a single day—it is a year-round commitment embedded in our exhibitions, programs and visitor experience.

As we celebrate National Braille Day, we are proud to highlight how tactile experiences, braille and inclusive design help ensure that all visitors can meaningfully engage with history.

Tactile and Multisensory Experiences in Our Exhibitions 
Accessibility is a key feature of the Museum’s newest permanent exhibition, which showcases the WWII-era Corsair aircraft. From the earliest planning stages, the exhibition team partnered with the Museum’s Access Initiative and accessibility advisors to integrate features that support multiple ways of experiencing and learning.

Throughout the exhibition, visitors can engage with tactile elements, updated labels and clear signage that provide context and orientation. Tactile models and replicas include braille labels, as well as raised QR codes with braille so visitors can easily access audio descriptions available through the Museum’s free mobile guide. These features encourage hands-on exploration, support independent discovery and enhance the experience for anyone who benefits from multisensory engagement.

This inclusive approach reflects a core principle at the Intrepid Museum: accessibility should be built in, not added on.

Verbal Description and Tactile Guides 
One of the Museum’s resources for visitors who are blind or have low vision is the Verbal Description and Tactile Guide.

Designed for self-guided use, this tool incorporates raised images, braille, large print and a talking pen to bring exhibitions to life through touch and sound. Visitors may borrow the guide and talking pen at no cost from the Information Desk, and a video demonstration is available on the Museum’s YouTube channel.

All audio description in the Tactile Guide is also available in the free mobile guide, with audio description of additional exhibits and spaces added regularly.

A Longstanding Commitment to Access 
Tactile access, braille and audio descriptions are part of the broader work of the Museum’s Access Initiative, a collection of no-fee programs and resources designed to meet the needs of visitors with physical, cognitive, sensory or emotional disabilities.

Founded in 2009, the Access Initiative has grown steadily through partnerships with community organizations and advisory groups, ensuring programs remain relevant, responsive and high-quality.

National Braille Day is an opportunity to recognize the importance of braille in expanding access to information, culture and independence. At the Intrepid Museum, it is also a reminder that accessibility is an ongoing practice—one that requires listening, collaboration and thoughtful design.

Through tactile and multisensory features in our exhibitions, expanded audio descriptions in the mobile guide and staff-led programs and tours, the Museum remains dedicated to creating experiences where everyone is welcome and where history can be explored through many senses.