Representing (dis)ability in the 21st century museum : with a specific focus on London national museums

Abstract

This dissertation explores how disability is represented in the 21st century museum, using a transdisciplinary approach across museum studies and disability studies. This research aimed to find conclusions on what constitutes effective practise by comparing to what extent the leading museums and galleries in the UK include and champion disability-related narratives in their exhibitions and implement accessible practise. The methods of this research included a qualitative analysis of the exhibitions, programming, and governing literature of such museums and galleries. This dissertation finds that current practise in UK cultural institutions is inconsistent and lacking formal guidelines, expectations, and methods to ensure accessibility for audiences with impairments. This inconsistency is highlighted in the vastly different experiences at each institution, explored in this research.