Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Department

Geography and Geology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

This project evaluates the accessibility of cave tours in Mammoth Cave National Park for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community (DHHC). The study was advertised to the DHHC with the use of flyers through the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, First Baptist Church Bowling Green’s Deaf Ministry, WKU social media, and directly to visitors who contacted the park seeking services. Willing participants either joined a group tour or reserved their own cave tour, requesting necessary accommodations. Following these tours, a survey was given inquiring about participants’ general experience with Mammoth Cave, whether all their needs were met, and any ideas they might have to improve this process. Survey answers were then analyzed qualitatively, evaluating overall impressions of Mammoth Cave’s accessibility and ideas for improvement. Results showed that overall, guests enjoyed their visit to the park but had some suggestions on how to improve the park’s accessibility. These suggestions include events for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, lights provided for interpreters, and having a second interpreter during tours. While there is available information on what access Mammoth Cave currently offers for DHHC, this new line of research evaluates its effectiveness and acceptance among the community as well as how these perceptions may be applied to Mammoth Cave National Park’s accessibility services.

Advisor(s) or Committee Chair

Chris Groves, Ph.D.

Disciplines

Communication Sciences and Disorders | Environmental Sciences | Other Languages, Societies, and Cultures

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