Auslan Tour at Golden Dragon Museum Sets New Accessibility Standard
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The Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo, home to the world’s oldest Imperial Processional Dragon, Loong, has taken a groundbreaking step towards inclusivity with the launch of its Auslan self-guided tour. This new feature, designed specifically for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, allows visitors to explore the museum’s rich collection of Chinese heritage and cultural artifacts through a series of Auslan videos.
The Auslan tour was launched on August 17th, 2024, during a special Deaf Community Day, offering free entry to Deaf and Hard of Hearing visitors. These self-guided videos provide an in-depth look at ten key exhibits, including the famous Loong dragon, without the need for advance bookings or the expense of interpreters. Instead, visitors can access the stories behind the artifacts at their own pace, simply by scanning QR codes at the exhibits.
Spearheaded by Sophie Li, a Deaf advocate and daughter of the renowned author Li Cunxin AO, the project was developed in collaboration with Expression Australia’s Deaf Hub Bendigo. Li emphasizes that this initiative not only empowers the Deaf community but also brings them closer to the vibrant history of Bendigo’s Chinese heritage. The Museum’s CEO, Hugo Leschen, expressed excitement about expanding this inclusive experience to even more exhibits in the future, ensuring that all visitors can fully appreciate the museum’s offerings.
The project was supported by Telematics Trust, which recognized the importance of making cultural heritage accessible to all Victorians. This initiative marks a significant milestone in accessibility, setting a new benchmark for how museums can cater to diverse audiences.
