UNIVERSITY MUSEUMS AND ACCESSIBILITY TRAINING

CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE SYSTEMATIZATION OF AN AUDIO DESCRIPTION MODULE TO INCLUSIVE MUSEOLOGICAL PRACTICE

Abstract

This paper is part of a research project developed between 2021 and 2022 within the Graduate Program in Technology for Social Development (PPGTDS/NIDES/CT/UFRJ), in partnership with the Museum of Geodiversity. The extension course “Learning to Deal with Diversity: Cultural Accessibility and Environmental Education for People with Intellectual Disabilities” was offered with the aim of fostering a space for reflective dialogue and contributing to the initial and continuing education of educators as a strategy for implementing accessible educational actions in museums. This study presents the systematization of the Audio Description Module. The research adopted a qualitative approach, involving participants in meetings and classes. Data collection instruments included participant observation, reports from extension students, class recordings, systematization guides, and a semi-structured questionnaire. The educational proposal addressed Geological Time, Environmental Education, Cultural Accessibility, and Assistive Technology, based on the assumption that effective inclusion requires not only physical adaptations but also conceptual, methodological, and communicational changes. By bringing together museum professionals, cultural center staff, basic education teachers, and undergraduate and graduate students, the course fostered the collective construction of knowledge and reflection on inclusive practices capable of expanding access to cultural and scientific assets.