장애아동을 고려한 포용적 박물관 구축을 위한 제언: ‘우리들의 눈’ 사례를 중심으로

Abstract

During the COVID-19 crisis, museumsand art galleries are unable to function smoothly because of continuous closuremeasures. They are therefore preparing for the post-COVID-19 era with newcommunication methods that connect online and offline spaces. Museums and artgalleries are open places of social education. Children’s museums, especially, areemphasizing the relationship between Q&A and communication by moving away fromvertical education, which focuses on authoritative educational methods anddelivery, to operate integrated exhibition and educational programs based oninteraction between the individual and the individual’s environment. This studydevelops an integrated exhibition education program that does not distinguishbetween children with disabilities and non-disabled children while neverthelessconsidering the former, thereby presenting a plan to develop an inclusivechildren’s museum for all and to prove its value. The children’s museum should be a cornerstoneof culture and arts education in fulfilling the universal right of childrenwith disabilities to “cultural enjoyment” and developing social welfare throughcultural welfare. By considering accessibility, safety, and integration, it shouldaim to be an inclusive museum for children. It should overcome the barriers ofdisability through accessibility in all aspects of its facilities, exhibitions,educational programs, and services. The present study seeks a practical planfor constructing an inclusive children’s museum that considers children withdisabilities based on a theoretical approach, in which the three aspects can beapplied to the design, facility, information service, exhibitions, educationalprogram, and best practices. In particular, this study analyzes thecase of “Another Way of Seeing,” a program that implements ways to experienceand accept culture and art through various art projects for visually impairedchildren who are excluded from a visually centered museum. The study also exploresthe role of the museum in the new era of inclusion and integration and future possibilities.In addition to improving the physical environment, professional programs comprisinginformation accessibility, human services, and networks of experts must bedeveloped to help build an inclusive children’s museum for all children thatdoes not discriminate against disabled/non-disabled children. First, a servicestandard point should be established to improve the convenience of viewing. Second,an accessibility guide for children with disabilities should be offered, andthird, education to improve the perception of children with disabilities shouldbe regularized. Fourth, the integration of IT in exhibition and educationservices should be reinforced. Fifth, a working group of experts and externalorganizations should be established to study children with disabilities. In thisway, the study will not just involve research but contribute to realizing an integratedand inclusive children’s museum by actively reflecting best practices in thefield.