Evaluating Accessibility Protocols for Invisible Disabilities in Museums: A Study of Museum of Contemporary Art and Design and Ateneo Art Gallery

Abstract

Museums are educational institutions that collect and preserve information about humanity. The International Council of Museums in 2022 further described museums as being accessible and inclusive to all. Although past international research has found that museums still lack accommodations for those with invisible disabilities. In the Philippine context, the bare minimum of accessibility is in place, with the installation of ramps and elevators as prescribed by Batas Pambansa 344. Clearly, there are insufficient accommodations for persons with invisible disabilities in the country. With this in mind, this paper investigated two university or college museums in Metro Manila (Museum of Contemporary Art and Design and Ateneo Art Gallery) and examined the accessibility programs (or lack thereof) and accommodations for persons with invisible disabilities through interviews with museum workers of each institution. An accessibility expert was also consulted. Findings were that there is a lack of institutional support in some museums, which causes these institutions to have fewer accommodations for persons with invisible disabilities. On the other hand, when institutions are fully supported by their administration, there is a marked increase in available accommodations for persons with invisible disabilities. A proposal was also presented at the end for museums to improve their accessibility, especially for those with invisible disabilities.