News release details

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) has won a prestigious Jodi Award, with judges calling Canada's newest national museum "a beacon of excellence in digital inclusivity, not only in Canada but worldwide." 

The Jodi Awards recognize innovation and excellence in the use of digital media to widen access to museums, galleries, heritage sites, libraries and archives.

"Our commitment to accessibility means that all of our visitors can participate equally in the Museum experience," said CMHR interim President and CEO Gail Stephens. "The CMHR actually exceeds accessibility standards. It's an honour to receive this kind of recognition and we're proud to share this news today, given that May 21 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day." 

The Jodi Awards, presented on May 20, 2015 at a ceremony at the British Library, are now in their 11th year. The CMHR won the award for its commitment to complete accessibility within its galleries. One example of this commitment is in relation to video content. All videos located within Museum galleries include: 

• American Sign Language and Langue des signes québécoise, 
• descriptive audio in English and French describing what is happening on screen, 
• closed captioning in both English and French, and
• volume control.

Within galleries, all static content is also made available to visitors through a mobile program and universal access system developed by the CMHR. 

Past winners of the Jodi Awards include the Tate Modern and the British Museum in London, England.