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Inclusive museums: A status report on universal accessibility in Quebec museums

Lead researcher

Co-researchers

  • Eva Kehayia (McGill, CRIR)
  • Julie Ruel (UQO, Cirris)
  • Olivier Champagne-Poirier (U Sherbrooke)
  • Tiiu Poldma (UdeM, CRIR)

Partners / Collaborators

  • Josée Duhaime (MNBAQ)
  • Véronique Vézina (ROP03)
  • Stéphane Chagnon (SMQ)
  • Céline Le Merlus (SMQ)
  • Zakia Hammouni (McGill, UQTR, CRIR)
  • Shirley Dumassais (McGill)

To access an accessible version of the report (in French), click here

 

Context

Both internationally and in Quebec, interest in people with disabilities (PWDs) seems to be taking shape, and the range of activities dedicated to them is growing. However, there are still gaps in our knowledge of inclusive museum practices in Quebec. Data on the needs of this audience are rarely cross-analyzed in the Quebec museum field, and some measures may seem contradictory or conflict with certain constraints specific to the museum field.

Objectives

Produce a portrait of universal accessibility practices for people with disabilities in Quebec museums. More specifically, to

  • Inventory and analyze museum research and practices in terms of universal accessibility;
  • Document the experience of Quebec museums in terms of universal accessibility;
  • Draw up recommendations for general and specific parameters for Quebec museums.

Method

A scoping study was used to synthesize knowledge and answer an exploratory research question aimed at mapping key concepts, types of evidence and gaps in research related to a defined domain by systematically searching, selecting and synthesizing existing knowledge. This study is based on the method proposed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005) and Levac, Colquhoun and O’Brien (2010).

A questionnaire was developed to provide a portrait of museum practices in terms of accessibility, space planning, exhibition, conservation and mediation practices, as well as administrative practices (pricing policies, hiring, partners, funding, etc.).

Main results and recommendations

The study identified the accessibility initiatives undertaken by Quebec museums, as well as the obstacles and facilitators to their implementation. It provides valuable data for moving from an improvised approach to a strategy of structural change aimed at inclusion.

Main findings

  • Accessibility initiatives are mainly focused on motor and intellectual impairments, and supervised by animators.
  • The participation of people with disabilities (PAI) is often limited to animation, with increasing involvement in consultation and experimentation.
  • The museum functions most concerned are exhibitions, cultural mediation and building design.
  • The target audiences are mainly adults and school-age children.
  • Accessibility projects are generally implemented as part of renovations or pilot projects, in the absence of specific funding.

Challenges and limits

  • Staff training focuses mainly on public-facing functions.
  • Curatorial and administrative activities are limited.
  • Practices vary according to the characteristics of the museum (size, type, budget, location).
  • Without an adequate legal and financial framework, museums tend to adopt short-term solutions rather than structural changes.

Recommendations

  • Museums need to review their understanding of universal accessibility.
  • IAPs should become more involved in museums to facilitate the necessary changes.
  • Researchers are encouraged to broaden their field of study and form multidisciplinary teams.
  • Political and supervisory bodies need to commit politically, support financially and value inclusive museum actions.

 

Funding sources : CRSH Savoir, CRIR, OPHQ, Société Inclusive