Verbal Description Programs

Types of Programs

BBG invites visitors who are blind or partially sighted to explore the Garden’s collections and exhibitions through public and private verbal description and touch tours. These tours are led by staff and volunteers trained in verbal description and include a variety of touch objects and other elements that allow participants to experience the Garden through multiple senses.

Public Programs & Tours

Upcoming programs will be listed on this page. Garden entry and program participation is free, but preregistration is required. Visit the program page directly to RSVP.

Private Programs & Tours

Small groups who would like to request a guided verbal description/touch tour should fill out this form. A modest fee is charged.

Questions? See the FAQs below. If you have additional questions or need help with registration, email [email protected].

Upcoming Programs

Verbal description programs are added as they are scheduled. Sign up below if you want to be alerted by email. To view all upcoming Access Programs, view our Event Calendar. For general information, see the Accessibility page.

FAQS

Do I have to be blind or partially sighted to participate in these programs?

These programs are designed for the blind and partially sighted community and their companions. You do not have to be blind or partially sighted to join, though preference will be given to blind and partially sighted visitors.

Can I bring a sighted guide or PCA?

Yes, sighted guides and PCAs, along with friends and family, are welcome to join.

What accommodations are available?

Before the program:

Participants can request additional accommodations (including sighted guides) when completing the RSVP form.
An email will be sent to registered participants at least two days before the program with more details and information including where to arrive and enter the Garden.

During the program:

Volunteers will be onsite for the entire program.
Sighted guides are available to support those who requested them.
Braille and large-print materials and tactile representation and other touch objects will be available during the tour/program.
Wheelchairs and roller-aids are available free of charge upon request.
These programs use accessible garden paths and indoor spaces.
Accessible restrooms are located around the Garden.

Will there be sighted guides/someone to greet me when I arrive?

Yes, when you arrive at the Garden there will always be someone to greet you and assist in directing you to the program meeting place. If you would like to request the support of a sighted guide, please indicate so in your RSVP form or by email.

What happens in the case of inclement weather?

Whenever possible, programs will be moved indoors to BBG’s conservatories and education classrooms. Programs that cannot be moved indoors will be canceled in inclement weather, which includes rain and temperatures below 50 degrees.

Cancellation decisions are made no later than 36 hours before the program start time. If a program is canceled, BBG staff will contact registered participants via the method of communication requested (email, text, or phone call).

Are there other offerings that are accessible for people who are blind or partially sighted?

There are two areas of the Garden that offer visitors who are blind or partially sighted the opportunity to touch the plants and engage with the Garden in a multisensory way.

The Fragrance Garden encourages visitors of all abilities to experience the plants in its raised beds and pots at their own pace through touch and smell, as well as through our recorded Audio Description Tour.

The Discovery Garden also invites visitors to explore independently and at their own pace through hands-on activities and exhibits in an immersive landscape where all visitors are welcome to touch and smell the plants.