CULTURAL MEDIATION AND ACCESSIBILITY: PROMOTING INCLUSION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS – A CASE STUDY OF THE INCLUSIVE MUSEUM PROJECT / MÉDIATION CULTURELLE ET ACCESSIBILITÉ : PROMOUVOIR L’INCLUSION DES PERSONNES HANDICAPÉES DANS LES INSTITUTIONS CULTURELLES – ÉTUDE DE CAS DU PROJET MUSÉE INCLUSIF

Abstract

This paper explores the critical role of cultural mediation in fostering accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities within cultural institutions. Grounded in the framework of cultural studies and inclusion theory, the study presents a fictive case study of the 'Inclusive Museum Project,' a museum initiative designed to enhance cultural participation for individuals with physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments. The project emphasizes participatory design, adaptive technologies, and intersectoral collaboration between cultural professionals, disability organizations, and policymakers. Findings highlight the importance of universal design principles, staff training in accessibility, and community engagement as key pillars of sustainable inclusion. The paper argues that cultural institutions must transition from accessibility as compliance to accessibility as cultural value, reconfiguring mediation practices to reflect diversity, equity, and agency. Recommendations are provided for policymakers and cultural managers to strengthen inclusive mediation practices globally.

Cet article analyse le rôle de la médiation culturelle dans le renforcement de l’accessibilité et de l’inclusion des personnes en situation de handicap au sein des institutions culturelles. À travers une étude de cas fictive du « Inclusive Museum Project », l’étude met en évidence l’importance du design universel, de la co‑création et de la formation professionnelle comme piliers d’une inclusion durable.

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