Eleventh International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

What can museums and their audiences learn from working with cultural experts who also have disabilities? This paper describes the range of cultural, intellectual, and aesthetic benefits that become possible when re-thinking access for people with disabilities in the museum space. Case studies of projects and exhibitions from the San Francisco Bay Area (home of the Independent Living Movement) detail the interpretive opportunities that become available when museum staff co-create with the disability community. From low-tech, low-cost innovative elements within exhibitions to the benefits of large-print labels for all visitors in museums, the paper outlines possible approaches to developing innovative exhibition, designing robust programs, and expanding participation. With a focus on the social model of disability rather than the predominantly negative medical model, concrete steps for building trust and establishing long-term relationships are shared. In conclusion, an argument is made for museums to go beyond legal regulations and minimum compliance approaches to disability. People with disabilities are great collaborators and have enhanced problem-solving skills and experience by virtue of the often hostile physical environment they live in. They must be engaged as an important audience, often situated at the intersection of social justice issues of race, gender, and economic equity. The paper concludes with an argument for every museum to employ a person with a disability in the role of access coordinator, as well as the appointment of people with disabilities to museum board and senior staff positions.