Virtual Experience Company Works with Colchester Museums to Receive Commendation

PRESS RELEASE

Virtual Experience Company and Colchester Museums Commended for Accessible Technology

June 2007, Leamington Spa, UK

The Virtual Experience Company's work in developing access to heritage sites for disabled people was recognised atthe Jodi Awards atthe British Museum on Wednesday night, witha Commendation for Excellence in Accessible Technology.

The Jodi Awards (sponsored by MLA, BM, MCG and 24 Hour Museum) recognise museum, gallery, library, archive or heritage websites that demonstrate commitment to meeting web accessibility standards. An experienced panel of judges preside over the selection of nominated sites, supported by formal testing by disability experts and disabled users.

The Virtual Experience Company worked with Colchester Museums to produce aninnovative DVD tour of inaccessible parts of Colchester Castle which communicates some of the atmosphere and sound qualities in the different tour locations, thus giving a quality of experience that is close to the real tour itself.

The tour exists in a version for adults and for children and both have been provided withsubtitles and BSL. Through their Renaissance funding, Colchester Museums has been consistently stretching the boundaries of access provision for disabled people in the East of England, and has an excellent consultation mechanism in PORTAL, the museum's advisory group of disabled people.Sophie Weaver, Access Officer for Colchester Museums, commented "The Virtual Experience Company worked closely with PORTAL, and really took on board the suggestions that were made. They also brought in their own great ideas and the result has been a fantastic addition to our resources for disabled visitors"

Clips from the award-winning videos can be seen here:

http://www.virtualexperience.co.uk/?page=projects&sub=colchester

For further information please contact: Mike Gogan, The Virtual Experience Company

T: +44 (0) 1926 880000 E: M: +44(0) 7939 599590

About The Virtual Experience Company

The Virtual Experience Company is one of the leading creators of virtual reality and 3D multimedia content in the Cultural Heritage sector. Since its inception in 1999, the company have delivered inspiring virtual reality and multimedia interactives to some of the most iconic heritage sites in the UK and beyond. Projects have included Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Stratford, virtual reality reconstructions of Roman Colchester and Kahun, a 4000 year-old pyramid-builders’ settlement on the Nile.

Directors: P Oliver & A Oliver

Company Reg. No. 2482913