MSU Museum Launches RFID-Enabled Accessibility Experience in Habitat Hall
The Michigan State University Museum invites visitors to experience a new, technology-driven approach to accessibility with the launch of its RFID-enabled audio description system in Habitat Hall. A special public celebration will take place Friday, April 24 from 4:30–6:00 p.m., where visitors can try the experience firsthand.
Developed through the Museum’s Creating Access with Tech initiative, this new system uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to deliver audio descriptions directly to visitors’ devices as they move through the gallery. The experience is powered by the Museum’s “Access Audio” app and is designed to enhance engagement for visitors who are blind or have low vision—while also enriching the experience for all audiences through inclusive design.
Visitors can borrow a free RFID tag at the Museum’s Welcome Desk and, as they explore Habitat Hall, receive audio content triggered by hidden sensors throughout the space.
“This launch represents an important step in our ongoing work to expand access and create more inclusive museum experiences,” said Director of Education Dr. Denice Blair. “By integrating technologies like RFID and audio description, we are rethinking how visitors engage with exhibitions and ensuring more people can meaningfully connect with our collections.”
The RFID experience is the result of a multi-year project supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which provided funding to help the MSU Museum develop new approaches to accessibility through technology and professional training (IMLS Project Number: ME-255798-OMS-24).
As part of the initiative, Museum staff, students, and collaborators worked together to design, test, and implement audio description and wayfinding tools within the gallery. The project also focused on building staff capacity to create high-quality audio content and assess visitor navigation to reduce barriers for people with visual impairments.
The April 24 event offers visitors an opportunity to:
- Be among the first to experience RFID-triggered audio in Habitat Hall
- Learn how accessibility and technology intersect in museum spaces
- Meet members of the team behind the project
The RFID experience will remain available to visitors following the event as part of the Museum’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, innovation, and inclusive design.
REGISTER HERE
Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and X.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Federal funds provided 49% of the total project cost ($190,132), with the remaining 51% ($194,556) financed by non-governmental sources.