A tactile model of Huff and a Puff by Hugh Hayden next to the sculpture at deCordova.
As Interpretation Manager at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Maddie Nelson works closely with deCordova’s curatorial team to conceptualize and implement public programs that provide access for all visitors to exhibition content. This includes school and youth group visits, access tours, and self-guided initiatives. Nelson is also part of the internal Trustees’ Accessibility Working Group, which meets frequently to discuss and improve accessibility initiatives at the organization.
At The Trustees’ annual all staff meeting in September 2025, Nelson was awarded one of several Jocelyn Forbush prizes, which provided funding for her to attend the Audio Description Institute, hosted by The American Council of the Blind, which provides training in producing succinct and vivid descriptions of film, advertising, performing arts, visual art images, and exhibitions for people with low to no vision.
“ADI helped me better understand active seeing/visual literacy and best practices for “making the visual verbal” to expand audience impact,” shared Nelson.
Verbal description tours are available at deCordova. Moko Fukuyama, "Menagerie," 2024, fallen timber (oak, birch, cherry, and pine), acrylic urethane paint, epoxy resin, inkjet print on photo paper, steel. Courtesy of the artist. Photo by Olivia Moon Photography.
“ADI helped me better understand active seeing/visual literacy and best practices for “making the visual verbal” to expand audience impact,” shared Nelson.
Prior to applying for the Forbush prize and attending ADI, Nelson had reviewed data from the deCordova group reservations system and noticed that the Lowell Association for the Blind had visited the property twice in 2024.
“I was curious about their experience in the Sculpture Park and reached out to their program coordinator to connect and learn more about how we could better support their learning and engagement,” Nelson shared. “That initial conversation, feedback, and insight from the Lowell Association for the Blind launched a string of action items to make deCordova more accessible for visitors with low to no vision.”
At the same time, Nelson connected with a professor from Wellesley College who had recently spearheaded a 3D model/tactile materials project with the Davis Museum and was eager to test his framework on large-scale sculpture. “It was serendipitous timing,” she continued, “He was an instrumental thought partner in producing tactile models for guided tours at deCordova. Using funding from the Mass Cultural Council’s Universal Participation (UP) Initiative, alongside Professor Ducas and the fabricators of Huff and a Puff, we produced three 3D models of the sculpture, providing touch access to the dramatic angles of every shingle, windowpane, and brick.”
A close-up view of the tactile model of Huff and a Puff by Hugh Hayden, next to the sculpture at deCordova.
Now, Nelson is in “full testing-and-feedback mode,” she shared. She has led a handful of tours using audio description and tactile materials with User Experts and continues to collect feedback and adjust accordingly. “I’m looking forward to continuing to fine-tune my approach and learn from more User Experts in 2026,” she said.
“This continues to be a team effort. I am so grateful to Mark Lindsay, Director of Visitor Experience, for connecting me to Professor Ducas and the curatorial team for supporting multisensory access to the Sculpture Park.”
Any adult, college, or access group can request a Verbal Description Tour here. Verbal Description Tours at deCordova provide multisensory access to select sculptures and exhibitions through vivid narrative, tactile materials, and conversation, fostering a deeper understanding of the artworks and the environment of the Sculpture Park. Each tour is customized to the interests and needs of the group, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming experience. Care partners and companions are most welcome.
