European Commission - 7th Framework Programme European Museums and Libraries in/of the age of migrations last updated: February 2015


Museum Education and Accessibility: Bridging the Gaps

17-21 September 2015

Washington, DC, USA | National Museum of the American Indian


The Committee for Education and Cultural Action (CECA), one of the oldest International Committees of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), is organising its 2015 Annual Conference in Washington, DC, USA, with the support of the Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access.

“Museum Education and Accessibility: Bridging the Gaps” is the theme of 2015 edition, that will consider accessibility as the degree to which museum collections, programs, and expertise are available to as many people as possible.
Today many people still face widespread barriers to museum resources and learning opportunities. Socioeconomic and geographic obstacles, as well as physical and cognitive disabilities, hinder full participation in cultural life for these underserved audiences. While many museums with missions aimed at social change and justice have developed strategies of inclusion, there is still a considerable disparity of approaches and absence of enduring programs.
Museum educational practices are called to respond to these processes and digital technologies can play an important role.

 

Keynote speakers and contributors will face – sharing examples, ideas, best practices, and researches – challenging questions as:

What do we know about the motivations, needs, and expectations of underserved audiences in relation to museums?
What models of inclusion can museum educators share?
What are examples of programs that empower underserved audiences, enable their independence, and enhance their quality of life?
How can museum educators maintain and expand these models and programs?
How can digital access expand learning opportunities and empower audiences to be full participants in their local communities and our global society?
What critical questions should museums be asking about the use and ethics of new technologies and digital access?


Conference sessions will be held at the National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. A registration is required to participate to the conference.


» link to the Conference

» invited speakers

» link to live streaming