The Fondation Musée Schlumberger, located at Château de Crèvecœur-en-Auge, is setting an example for heritage sites worldwide with their commitment to accessibility for all. For more than 15 years, Alix Alduc-Barbat has played a central role as collections manager and accessibility coordinator.
In this interview, she gives us an inside look at one of her most memorable projects: creating a video guide in French Sign Language in collaboration with ITC Global. Read on to learn how this initiative helped the foundation take cultural inclusion to the next level thanks to an unexpected connection, a ready-to-use solution, and seamless service delivery.
Question 1: Could you introduce yourself and tell us your main role at the museum?
My name is Alix Alduc-Barbat. I’ve been working for Fondation Musée Schlumberger at the Château de Crèvecœur-en-Auge in the Normandy region of France since 2008. I’m the collections manager, which means I take care of conservation for our museum collections and our archives. I’m also in charge of researching, designing, and setting up exhibitions. I also work on interpretive tools for museum visitors and for the past 10 years or so, I’ve been the accessibility coordinator. I make sure that the chateau is accessible for people with disabilities. So, I set up most of the tools for these audiences.
Question 2: What challenges did ITC Global address?
ITC Global brought my French Sign Language project to life as a ready-to-use video guide. One company had everything I needed: experience, French sign language translation, video production and editing, etc. The only thing we had to do was upload the French Sign Language videos into our izi.TRAVEL platform for visitors. Plus, the service was really affordable.
Question 3: What were the project’s main stages?
The initial video guide project started in 2020. The COVID pandemic and multiple lockdowns obviously complicated things. It was difficult to coordinate the different service providers and we made the hard decision to pull the plug on the project. After that, other accessibility improvement projects took higher priority. This project resurfaced by chance when ITC’s accessibility manager Serge Greck called to offer the company’s sign language video creation services. It was Serge’s skills and experience that convinced me. Working with one contact, the project became simple and achievable.
Question 4: Would you say that ITC Global brought added value to your project?
This may sound repetitive, but ITC Global’s added value came from their expertise and how simple it was to work together. The project went smoothly, which was refreshing.
Question 5: Could you tell us about the chateau’s next accessibility project?
This year, my second accessibility focus is hosting another edition of our inclusive event for people with disabilities: Le Moyen Âge accessible. Join is at Château de Crèvecœur on September 20 and 21, 2025. I’m also thinking about setting up a scent-based tour with Braille interpretive labels that will include iconic and representative scents from the Middle Ages. I really love being the accessibility coordinator. There are so many things to do or dream up so everyone has an enjoyable, fun, and educational visit.
Want to create accessible, inclusive experiences for everyone?
Explore our accessibility solutions and contact us today for tailored support and inclusive solutions, from written translation to videos with sign language translation. Let’s work together to make accessibility the norm!
