Seventeenth International Conference on the Inclusive Museum

Abstract

Ensuring accessibility to museum heritage for people with disabilities is crucial to guarantee equal opportunities, social inclusion, and human rights. Everyone should have the chance to participate fully in culture and art, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities. The objective of this research is to examine the legislative, cultural, and social factors that affect the ability of visually impaired individuals to appreciate cultural heritage. The aim is to identify methods for eliminating obstacles and, in partnership with stakeholders, testing tactile and digital pathways. The project expands and enriches the solutions developed in the ‘Umberto Scerrato Oriental Museum: welcoming, sharing, including a proposal for the Oriental museum system’ project. It will analyze the effects of good practices in Italian and international museums and identify the multiple psycho-rehabilitative functions of aesthetic education. In Italy, the Omero Museum is a pioneer in making museum heritage accessible to the blind. It was the first tactile museum in Italy and was founded by Aldo Grassini and his visually impaired wife, who shared a dream of creating a museum where touching was not forbidden. I was to participate in a study day on art and multisensoriality held here. Aldo Grassini himself presented the works, accompanied by Trasatti and Socrati. Various museum directors, as well as representatives and artists also participated. The day can be summarised as a rebellion against the imperialism of the eye. From a position of national excellence, I am now exploring international opportunities.