ADA Accommodations, Insurance, and copyright 

ADA Accommodations, Insurance, and copyright 

 

​​Accommodations

1. Wheelchair Accessibility:

   • Entrances: All entrances to the museum are wheelchair accessible, including automatic sliding doors to accommodate visitors using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices.

   • Elevators: The museum’s building is designed with elevators to provide easy access between floors. This ensures that visitors can reach all the exhibits on the first and second floors and have access to the collections on the third floor.

2. Restrooms:

   • Accessible restrooms are located on every floor, equipped with wider stalls and support rails to accommodate wheelchairs.

3. Wheelchair Availability:

   • Complimentary wheelchairs are available at the Guest Services desk for visitors who require them.

4. Exhibit Accessibility:

   • Exhibit Layout: All exhibits, including those on the flora, fauna, and paleontology of Madagascar, are designed to be navigable by wheelchair, with wide aisles and carefully planned exhibit placement to allow for easy viewing.

   • Interactive Displays: Touchscreen interactive displays are designed to be accessible to people with various disabilities, including those who may be visually or hearing impaired. Where possible, these displays include tactile components, large print, and audio descriptions.

   • Signage: All signage will be presented in large font and high-contrast colors for improved visibility and readability.

5. Service Animals:

   • The Museum of Madagascar allows service animals throughout the museum, including the café and greenhouse, to assist visitors with disabilities.

6. Parking and Drop-off:

   • Accessible parking spaces are located near the museum entrance, with clearly marked signs and curb cuts to facilitate easy entry.

   • A designated drop-off area is also available for visitors who require assistance. 

7. Guided Tours

   • The museum can offer accommodations during tours, especially on request for a reserved tour, for visitors with disabilities, which may include audio-described tours, sign language interpreters upon request, and personalized assistance for those needing mobility support.

​

​

Insurance Considerations

1. General Liability Insurance:

   • This covers the museum against claims of bodily injury, property damage, and accidents that may occur on the premises. For example, if a visitor is injured while walking through the exhibits or in the café, this insurance would cover the associated legal and medical costs.

2. Property Insurance:

   • This policy would cover any damage to the museum’s physical structure, including exhibits and artifacts, due to unforeseen circumstances like fire, vandalism, or natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes common in Charleston).

3. Art and Artifact Insurance:

   • A specialized form of property insurance, this coverage would protect the museum's valuable collections, including rare and delicate artifacts from Madagascar, fossils, and cultural objects. This insurance would also cover any damage during transportation to or from the museum.

4. Workers' Compensation Insurance:

   • This provides coverage for employees who might be injured while working at the museum. This is critical in ensuring both employee safety and legal compliance with labor laws.

5. Business Interruption Insurance:

   • If the museum had to temporarily close due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., a hurricane or public health crisis), this coverage would help mitigate the loss of income and support the financial stability of the museum.

6. Cyber Liability Insurance:

   • Since the museum will has an online presence cyber liability insurance is important to protect against data breaches and cyberattacks that could compromise customer information or other sensitive data.

​

​

Copyright Concerns​

1. Use of the Madagascar Movies:

   • If the museum plans to reference the Madagascar movie franchise in any of its exhibits, whether through imagery, video clips, or other media, permission will likely need to be obtained from the copyright holders of the films (DreamWorks Animation).

   • In particular, if any likenesses of characters, soundtracks, or scenes are used for educational purposes, you may be able to apply for a “fair use” exemption, but you will need to carefully assess whether this applies and consider seeking permission for use.

2. Photographs and Images of Madagascar’s Flora and Fauna:

   • While the museum can display images of Madagascar’s real-world wildlife and landscapes, care should be taken to ensure that images obtained from third-party photographers or conservation groups are properly licensed for use.

   • It’s also important to make sure that any scientific illustrations or diagrams used in exhibits are either original works or properly licensed.

3. Cultural Artifacts and Native Works:

   • If the museum includes replicas or photographs of Malagasy cultural objects, especially those from indigenous artists, permission may need to be sought for their use. Copyright protection could extend to artworks, textiles, and other cultural materials, so care should be taken in ensuring proper attribution and licensing.

4. Music and Audio Clips:

   • If the museum plays music or incorporates audio clips in exhibits, you may need to secure public performance licenses, especially for copyrighted works. This would apply to both contemporary music and older works that are still under copyright protection.