Museum Accessibility by Design: A Systemic Approach to Organizational Change - Paperback

by Maria Chiara Ciaccheri (Author)

What does museum accessibility mean today? How can it generate impact in museums and in society itself? Where should we begin to take concrete action? Museum Accessibility by Design: A Systemic Approach to Organizational Change guides readers through the process of designing a museum accessibility strategy. Real world examples, tools, and resources foster implementation. This book offers a comprehensive exploration of museum accessibility, with an up-to-date and critical survey of the discipline; a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to set up a rigorous and effective process that promotes accessibility throughout the museum institution; tools and suggestions for rethinking accessibility and usability for a diverse range of museum visitors; international case studies and best practices; and, a full accessibility training course with activities and exercises aimed at fostering an accessible mindset within any institution. An engaging and accessible resource for university students, museum professionals and researchers, this book speaks to museum professionals of all types, from those just starting out to seasoned experts looking for a comprehensive, multi-faceted look at museum accessibility.

Author Biography

Maria Chiara Ciaccheri is a museum consultant, researcher and docent. With a background in Museum Studies and Management and an MA in Learning and Visitor Studies in Museums, over the last fifteen years she has worked and researched extensively in the field of museum accessibility, with focus on cognitive issues, disability representation and participatory approaches in adult education. As a recipient of private and public grants since 2014, she has travelled and researched extensively all over the U.S., mapping more than a hundred accessible best practices throughout the country. Her field research has continued over the following years, visiting and investigating as many museums and best practices in accessibility both in Italy and Europe. As a lecturer in museum accessibility for a number of post-graduate university programs in Italy and author of different articles and publications, she often speaks at national and international conferences. She is author of the Museums for People project (museumsforpeople.com) to support museum studies and accessibility dissemination through illustrations