The Role of Touch in the Theatergoing Experience of Visually-Impaired Adults

Sarah Gregory

Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Barton, Michelle

Keywords

Theater, Touch, Visual-Impairment

Area of Concentration

Psychology

Abstract

Universal Design Theory states that, as much as possible, experiences should be equivalent for those with and without disabilities (NC State University, The Center for Universal Design, 1997). However, the Principles of Universal Design Theory are still being explored as to the possibility of making equivalent entertainment experiences. The current studies attempted to add to the literature using Universal Design Theory by examining the use of a touch tour to promote equivalent theatergoing experiences between those with and without visual impairments. Specifically, it sought to increase the enjoyment of and understanding of a play by those with visual impairments; the experiments also looked at the positivity of the overall experiment for participants as well as their anticipated future attendance of other plays. This study found a significant effect of the touch tour on participants� understanding and remembering of the play but no other significant effects were found. Future research should continue to explore the best ways to incorporate the Principles of Universal Design Theory into entertainment.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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