Eleventh International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

Provisions for the learning disabled in museums have historically been limited and socially exclusive for the community. The focus leans towards achieving purely physical access to exhibits through building modifications and varying types of display, excluding the fact that simply allowing a person inside a museum does not ensure their engagement. Today, the conversation is opening to include how we can now guarantee the participation of this community through representation and inclusion in the museum thought processes, with the hope that this will give true access to the learning-disabled visitor who will no longer feel excluded by the museum. This takes many forms, in open conversation, specific events and exhibits, and museum design. But the goal is to turn the museum into an inclusive, safe space for all, and to encourage openness between the learning-disabled and mainstream communities.