The project “Touching Culture” (second phase – the accessibility of museums), implemented by SOCINTEGRA with funding from the Social Integration Fund, focuses on researching the accessibility of museums in Latvia and Europe for people with visual impairments. The project provides an opportunity to assess the accessibility of museum spaces and to develop practical recommendations for improving access to cultural heritage.

Project goals
Culture must be accessible to everyone. The main goals of the SOCINTEGRA project are to identify existing barriers faced by people with visual impairments and to create recommendations for overcoming them. During the project, SOCINTEGRA examined how modern museums can adapt their spaces by using tactile objects, audio descriptions, tactile routes, and other methods to ensure equal access to exhibitions and knowledge.

Research on Latvian and European museums
Within the framework of “Touching Culture,” SOCINTEGRA carried out studies in several museums across Latvia and other European countries, evaluating their accessibility for people with visual impairments. The research analyzed how effectively museums use tactile maps, relief exhibits, sound beacons, and audio guides, as well as what international practices could serve as examples for museums in Latvia. This process highlighted both strengths and areas where improvements are needed.

Museum accessibility handbook
One of the key results of the project is the Museum Accessibility Implementation Guidelines, which offer practical recommendations for museum staff and curators aiming to make their spaces more inclusive. The handbook describes steps for introducing elements such as tactile maps, audio descriptions, sound markers, and special programs. It also addresses staff training to ensure competent and respectful communication with visitors with visual impairments.

Impact and perspectives
The “Touching Culture” project demonstrates the importance of creating inclusive museum environments and shows that accessibility is not only about comfort but also about reaching wider audiences and enhancing cultural exchange. Thanks to the support of the Social Integration Fund, the research and handbook prepared by SOCINTEGRA help museums in Latvia and beyond to grow more inclusive, giving people with visual impairments the chance to truly “touch culture,” both literally and figuratively.

The project “Touching Culture” opens doors to new ideas and future collaborations in the field of inclusion, making cultural heritage genuinely accessible for all.