On October 11, 2023 in Košice and October 19, 2023 in Veľký Šariš, the first module of a pilot training for museum workers was held as part of the European ART&SIGNS project. The pilot training was attended by 20 employees of museums and galleries from all over Slovakia.
The aim of the introductory module was to familiarize participants with the basic principles of accessibility and inclusion for visitors with disabilities. Lecturers Mgr. Beáta Lipovská and Marek Kanaš explained the needs of people with visual, hearing, mental and physical disabilities and provided practical tips on how to meet these needs in gallery and museum environments.
A large part of the module was devoted to the needs of deaf visitors and effective communication in Slovak Sign Language. Participants had the opportunity to try out basic signs and learn how to best welcome and communicate with deaf clients.
The lecturers emphasized the need to respect the individual needs of each visitor and provide information in an understandable way. There were also discussions about the importance of describing accessibility conditions of individual sites so that visitors can check in advance if they are suitable for them.
The pilot training participants appreciated the practical approach to accessibility and inclusion. Many encountered the issue of communicating with deaf people for the first time and gained a new perspective on how to make their institutions accessible to the widest possible audience. They look forward to further education modules within the ART&SIGNS project.
Košice, 11. october 2023
Veľký Šariš, 19. october 2023
