Welcoming Museum Visitors with Unapparent Disabilities

Welcoming Museum Visitors with Unapparent Disabilities exploreshow international cultural organizations (i.e. museums, aquariums, art centers) serve individuals with mental health and neurodiverse challenges. Opening chapters present the status of mental health in society and the need for inclusive design.

Organized by unapparent disability, the book includes:

• a medical definition of the condition as defined by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 11th Revision (ICD-11) by the World Health Organization;
• a brief introduction to that condition;
• personal accounts of the condition and challenges faced when visiting a museum, exhibition, and/or participating in a program; and,
• global case studies which describe how the hidden disability was supported/addressed and lessons learned.

Beth Redmond-Jones is vice president of exhibitions & facilities at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Prior to her current position, she was the vice president of engagement and education at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Beth is an accomplished and award-winning museum professional with extensive experience in exhibitions, museum programming, inclusion practices, master and strategic planning, facilities operations, and financial management. Under her leadership, exhibition and digital teams have won numerous awards including the American Alliance of Museum’s (AAM) Excellence in Exhibition Competition, AAM’s Sustainability Excellence Award, AAM’s Excellence in Label Writing Award, AAM’s Media and Technology MUSE Award, and the Balboa Park Sustainability Award.

Beth holds a master’s degree in museum studies from John F. Kennedy University and a bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of New Hampshire. She served on the board of the National Association for Museum Exhibition, a professional interest group of AAM, and AAM’s 2019 and 2020 National Program Committee. In 2006, Beth was recognized by the convergence of Museum Talent Project as a next-generation leader who demonstrates creativity and innovation in leadership, learning, and organizational change. She has been actively exploring and advocating for how museums can more effectively serve those with hidden disabilities, especially autism and sensory processing challenges. She is also the mother to two daughters who both struggle with hidden disabilities.