Comunicação equitativa na perspectiva do desenho universal: estudo de caso do museu da Comunidade Concelhia da Batalha

Abstract

This research was based on communication for all from a Universal Design perspective. Communication as the structural basis of human beings and museums makes it necessary to find different methodologies in communication that increase enjoyment and participation in these spaces. Therefore, the general objective of the research was to identify the essential elements for equitable communication in a community museum from a Universal Design perspective. To achieve this goal, a mixed methodology was used to integrate qualitative and quantitative methods, using the case study of the Batalha Community Museum, MCCBB, in Portugal, as the methodological approach. To this end, after a bibliographical survey, technical visits were made to the MCCB with systematic observations and a diagnosis of accessibility. To complement the information collected in the Museum's official documents and files, interviews were conducted with the people involved in the development of the Museum's project who belonged to the municipal authority, a group of professionals and one community representative. Based on action-research, the multi-format book “Leaps in time: a special visit to the MCCB” was developed with the participation of the Batalha community and proved its potential as a mediator between the Museum and the community. The use of the same book by children with and without disabilities, together, is the best way for a museum to be: evolutionary in its proposals, rigorous in its message, friendly in its inclusive communication and accessible to different types of users. Finally, the concept of equitable communication and its potential inside and outside museum spaces was presented, as a mean of promoting social justice, by with different ways of communicating allow equal opportunities to be put into practice.