Imagine a Quebec where museums are welcoming places for people of all abilities. Join us on December 7, 2022 for a discussion on the future of accessibility in our museums. This invitation is open to researchers, museum professionals, partners and anyone interested in the subject. The meeting will begin with the presentation of the results of a participatory research project entitled “Portrait de l’accessibilité universelle dans les musées du Québec “* (Portrait of universal accessibility in Quebec museums).

At the heart of the discussion will be the progress made in integrating universal accessibility into these establishments, and the challenges that remain. We will highlight the opportunities that remain to go even further in the quest for a museum future that is truly accessible to all.

Universal accessibility, as a fundamental concept, aims to create products, services and environments that enable everyone to participate in activities independently, thus guaranteeing equitable opportunities.

*This study is being carried out by a research team from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) and McGill University, in collaboration with the Société des musées du Québec, the Musée national des beaux-arts de Québec, the Regroupement des organismes de personnes handicapées de la région de la Capitale-Nationale (ROP 03), Kéroul, the Association québécoise pour le loisir des personnes handicapées (AQLPH) and the Office des personnes handicapées du Québec (OPHQ).

• Communicating with people with disabilities: Many projects are being developed in museums, yet people with disabilities don’t always hear about them, except through disability organizations. What actions do you think would make it easier for museums and IAPs to get in touch and stay informed?
• Change for action: Museums are greedy, bulimic. They are constantly creating new activities to reach as many people as possible. However, universal accessibility is not part of their long-term strategy. Changing practices is not easy. What actions and people do you think need to be mobilized to consolidate the change towards universal museum accessibility over time?
• Beyond design and mobility: The first actions often focus on mobility and building design. In addition to offering physical and leisure activities, people with disabilities also want to enjoy a genuine intellectual and cultural experience. What tools do you think need to be created to enhance the visiting experience – before, during and after – for people with disabilities?