Accessibility and diversity checklist for museums
Background and Purpose
This research paper presents an accessibility and diversity checklist aimed at helping museums independently evaluate and develop their operations and services. The checklist is an update and extension of a previous publication.
Checklist Contents
The purpose of the checklist is to promote accessibility and diversity in museums, so they can reach their full potential as comfortable and meaningful places for all visitors. The checklist covers various aspects of museum operations, including exhibition contents, collections and archives, public programming and audience engagement, customer service, pricing, and the museum environment and facilities.
Checklist Structure
The checklist is divided into several chapters, starting with planning and content work, then moving to customer service and communications, and finally focusing on the museum area and spaces. It provides detailed guidance on implementing accessibility and diversity practices across these areas. For example, it advises on making procurement and ICT purchases with accessibility in mind, ensuring exhibition content and public programming are inclusive, providing accessible customer service, using clear and multilingual communications, and designing barrier-free and multisensory museum environments.
Core Values and Recommendations
The checklist emphasizes that accessibility, diversity, equality/equity, and non-discrimination should be core values embedded throughout the museum's operations, strategies, and decision-making. It recommends museums allocate resources, create action plans, and provide training to develop these areas. The checklist also encourages museums to actively engage and cooperate with diverse community groups and accessibility experts.
Overall, this detailed and comprehensive checklist is intended to serve as a practical tool to help museums independently assess and improve their accessibility and diversity practices, ultimately making their spaces and services more comfortable and meaningful for all visitors.
