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Fitzwilliam Museum: Take a Walk in My Shoes
Bradfield, Emily
Bradfield, Emily
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Date
2024
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Geographical Setting
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Abstract
Context: The research, conducted within the framework of sensory ethnography and participatory action research, investigates the experiences of individuals with non-visible disabilities in a museum setting. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding sensory interactions within the museum environment and how these interactions can contribute to health and wellbeing.
Aims: The primary objectives include exploring diverse lived experiences in the museum, examining the sensory aspects of museum visits, and understanding how these experiences can support the health and wellbeing of visitors, particularly for people living with non-visible disabilities.
Methods: A multi-method approach was adopted, comprising sensory ethnography sessions, walking interviews with museum staff and adults with non-visible disabilities, focus groups, and a co-produced questionnaire. The data collection involved both qualitative sensory observations—captured through drawings, photographs, and transcriptions—as well as input from community participants who co-created the questionnaire.
Findings: The analysis revealed six key concepts impacting visitor experience: availability of places to sit and rest, clarity of label designs, accessibility of spaces, guided tour options, signage, and pre-visit information. The questionnaire results highlighted a desire for detailed, accessible information about artworks and preferred formats and styles for presenting that information. Variability in preferences for relaxing spaces reflected the need for diversity in seating options across the museum.
Implications: The findings indicate that applying the Social Model of Disability can enhance museum inclusivity by addressing physical, organizational, and attitudinal barriers that hinder participation. This research illustrates the potential for museums to adopt practices that accommodate diverse needs, fostering a more equitable and accessible environment for all visitors. Insights from the study may encourage museum staff and cultural institutions to rethink accessibility, equity and inclusivity in their spaces and programming, fostering deeper engagement for visitors with visible and non-visible disabilities.
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Keywords (free text)
sensory ethnography, participatory action research, non-visible disabilities, museum experience, health and well-being.