Exploring the accessibility of information in a museum space for persons with intellectual disabilities : the use of sensory trails

Abstract

This research project investigates the accessibility of information for persons with intellectual disabilities within Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum through a case study approach. Research on accessibility in museum spaces is a rapidly expanding field which has raised many exciting insights and possible accessibility solutions. Sensory trails are a recent example of these solutions in heritage, focusing on learning through a multi-sensory experience. This is something that this research looks to bring to the Maltese context, expanding on previous research done on accessibility in museums on the island. A qualitative approach was used involving a participatory group for generating data centred around the personal experiences of persons with intellectual disabilities. The methods used included two focus groups, a museum experience and a sensory trail. The key findings showed the complexities of assessing accessibility using guidelines and frameworks, and how these spaces rely on dominating learning forms which create inaccessibility, and how a multisensory approach could increase accessibility to information. These findings suggest the need for further reviews of museums and heritage sites to explore other learning forms that are outside of the dominating learning narrative of the space. The findings highlight the importance of auditing accessibility through the lived experiences of persons with disabilities to ensure relevant and effective solutions. While the space occasionally met accessibility principles, participants found that this did not always translate to truly accessible information. Physical space significantly influenced information accessibility. Participants also introduced new perspectives, such as the value of rest and the need for multisensory learning methods. Incorporating these elements can help heritage sites foster deeper connections to cultural heritage for persons with intellectual disabilities.