Tyrimo “Muziejai žmogaus gerovei” galutinė ataskaita - Final report of the study "Museums for human welfare"

In 2023, a study "Museums for People's Welfare" was carried out by order of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania. The aim of the study is to identify the experiences and perceptions of people with disabilities regarding the accessibility of Lithuanian museums, as well as to determine their needs and expectations. 

The study emphasized that although Lithuanian museums operate in accordance with the legal framework and accessibility guidelines for people with disabilities, their implementation remains fragmented. Most institutions lack a comprehensive strategy to ensure access for people with different types of disabilities. Barriers include inadequate physical and information infrastructure, limited training of staff and insufficient cooperation with health and social care professionals. These challenges limit the opportunities for people with disabilities to participate fully in cultural life and to use museum services as tools for inclusion and well-being.

Findings and Recommendations of the Study:

The study reveals that although Lithuanian museums operate under a legal framework and accessibility guidelines for people with disabilities, implementation remains fragmented. Many museums lack a unified strategy addressing different types of disabilities. Gaps in physical and informational infrastructure, insufficient staff training, and limited cooperation with health and social service sectors hinder the full participation of people with disabilities in cultural life.

Key Recommendations:

• Develop a national museum accessibility strategy that includes all types of disabilities.
• Ensure physical and informational accessibility, including tactile exhibits, audio guides, sign language interpretation, etc.
• Provide regular staff training on disability awareness and inclusion.
• Strengthen collaboration with healthcare, education, and social service sectors.
• Promote cooperation and sharing of best practices among museums.

Usefulness:

These recommendations are valuable for museum staff, policymakers, people with disabilities, and their families, as they support the creation of an inclusive and accessible cultural environment for all members of society.

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