Sensitivity, Visibility, Inclusivity

Sensitivity, Visibility, Inclusivity

A conversation on making museums accessible with Siddhant Shah, founder of Access for ALL

For the 2022 iteration, International Museum Day took the theme “The Power of Museums” to explore the potential of museums in bringing about a positive change in communities through three lenses. One of these was the power of innovating on digitalization and accessibility. Museums around the world are thinking through and implementing strategies to make themselves more inclusive and accessible spaces.

Siddhant Shah has dedicated himself to bridging the gap between disability and cultural heritage through his work related to physical, intellectual and social accessibility.

The talk will focus on how Indian museums can be made more accessible to individuals with sensory impairments or learning disabilities. Shah will shed light on the recent efforts made in thinking about inclusivity and accessibility in terms of both physical access and digital access. The talk will also discuss the factors which hinder accessibility in museums and how equitable experiences, both for the regular and physically disabled, can be offered by integrating inclusivity components into museum displays.

Speakers

Ar. Siddhant Shah

Accessibility Expert & Founder of Access For ALL

Ar. Siddhant Shah is an accessibility expert and founder of Access For ALL, an organisation that aims at creating inclusive cultural experiences for all. He is featured by National Geographic as Changemaker 2022. He is the youngest recipient of the National Award – Mphasis Universal Design Award 2017 by the National Committee on Rights for People with Disabilities (NCRPD). Along with his global consultation practice, he is currently the Access Consultant to the British Council India and for the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, Govt. of India. Shah was awarded a position to represent India at the British Museum International Program.