Nobody Left Outside: access, disability and the museum

Why this session?

Access should be part of the first sketch of a museum, not a late accommodation. This session looks at physical, sensory, intellectual and financial barriers together.

In today's global context

Cultural institutions worldwide are moving from one-off access features to inclusive practice. Visitors with disabilities should help define what works.

Ten questions to explore

1. Who is missing from visitor research?
2. How should disabled visitors shape design?
3. What makes arrival and wayfinding easier?
4. Where can touch and sound deepen access?
5. How should sign-language and captioning be planned?
6. Which quiet spaces matter?
7. What does accessible digital interpretation require?
8. How can staff respond without assumptions?
9. Which pricing barriers can be removed?
10. How will access be tested after opening?

Key outcomes we hope to shape

• An access review across the full visitor journey
• A co-design method led by disabled visitors

We welcome nominations from disabled cultural practitioners, access designers, museum staff and educators and others with relevant experience. Speaker nominations are open.