Revisiting the Nordic welfare model; museums and disability in the Nordic countries

Authors

  • Diana Walters
  • Sari Salovaara

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5617/nm.3210

Keywords:

disability, welfare model, access, museums, heritage

Abstract

This article considers the position of deaf and disabled people within the museum and heritage sectors of the Nordic countries. Recent approaches to access for deaf and disabled people have been rooted in models from the USA and the UK, and less attention has been given to countries with a welfare model approach. The article outlines the features of the welfare approach and the position of deaf and disabled people. It considers approaches to disability and access issues through both case studies and through official policy publications. It argues that although the economic position of disabled people is relatively good, access to cultural heritage remains patchy and uninteresting. Museums approach this as a question of physical access rather than engaging in more creative responses based on dialogue and partnership. It concludes that museums have some way to go before they will be truly accessible for deaf and disabled people. 

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