A VOLUNTEER ADVISOR TO THE WORLD’S LARGEST MUSEUM LIVES AT WAL
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By Rashawnda Atkinson
If you could make a difference in any area of someone else’s life, what would you do? For, Candice Jordan, a 10- year Bldg.1 resident, she volunteers as an accessibility adviser to the Access Smithsonian program. Following is an interview about how and why she became involved with the “world’s largest museum, education, and research complex” according to the Smithsonian’s About Us page.
How did you connect with Access Smithsonian?
I moved to DC from Ohio in 2007 and attended a local event. I’m not sure how it all came together since it’s been a while. However, I expressed interest in wanting to participate after hearing about the office and its goals.
Had you heard of the Smithsonian before?
I’ve loved the Smithsonian since my family visited DC when I was 11. I was so fascinated with the exhibits and learning new things, I’d get lost. My dad shared my love of museums too. I remember on my trip I told my parents that I was going to live in DC when I grew up. They did not believe this, but my Grandma did. She [told my parents], “You’re losing that one, she’s going to move away.”
Things have a way of coming full circle.
Yeah, I’m totally a museum rat and I absolutely love the Smithsonian. Two of my favorite loves together accessibility and museums. I mean, what can possibly be better?
Please talk about your role with Access Smithsonian.
Well, I participate in focus groups and provide feedback on the accessibility of exhibit items. Based on the recommendations received from the various focus groups, the exhibit staff decides what and how items are to be included in the exhibitions.
Why does accessibility at the Smithsonian matter?
It’s important to give people as many options as to how they want to interact with the exhibits whether it’s due to a disability or learning style. Being a person who is blind, I focus on tactile experiences. That’s important to maintain amid COVID for people with a variety of disabilities.
Candice and Allegro, her guide dog.
Tell how your museum experience changed.
So many ways but I’ll tell you one. I would typically have a docent read things to me at the museum. One time, I had my 9-year-old niece read the exhibit labels for me. It was hard understanding everything because sometimes she wouldn’t know a word or understand a phrase. Once Aira, a program/service that helps describe for its users what is in the environment, was provided for free at the Smithsonian, [my niece and I] could go to the museum and I could point things out to her. I find that sharing information with others makes the [museum] visits more meaningful.
It must be awesome to be that close to the process.
It’s a privilege to participate on that level. Making sure everyone who wants to visit the museum can visit the museum and have meaningful experiences is dear to my heart.
To be a part of this organization must mean a lot.
Absolutely. I lost my vision while in college at 21 years old. It was a really hard adjustment. But you have to take the cards that life deals you. I learned the skills that I needed to be independent and got support from my rehab counselor. The theme of my life has always been, “I can do it myself!” That’s what drives me each day. Through both my work as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor or my home health and wellness businesses, I help people earn income and become independent. I am always willing and eager to share opportunities with others.
