The Vatican Museums have launched special tours for the deaf and blind that seek to offer a multi-sensory experience of some of the Museums’ most famous works. The initiative also marks the first opportunity for the deaf in Italy to receive training and work in a museum as an experienced guide rather than solely as an interpreter, said speakers at a news conference March 1, CNS reports. Seven women, five of whom are deaf, received specialized training in art history and archaeology at the Museums so they could work as professional guides for the new tour for the deaf. One of the new deaf guides, who introduced herself as “Anna,” said through an interpreter that she and her new co-workers were happy the new opportunity to work as a professional museum guide “happened at the Vatican Museums.” The tour for the deaf includes stops in the Raphael Rooms, the Sistine Chapel, and visits to the classical statues collection. The guides are fluent in a number of sign languages, including British and French sign languages. The itinerary for the blind and visually impaired includes a blend of sensory experiences to help the person appreciate a work of art “without making them wish they could see,” said Isabella Salandri, who is in charge of the new tours. SOURCE Vatican Museums offer hands-on approach to art for the blind, deaf (Catholic News Service) SOURCE Mark (Wikipedia)