The Strategy for Promoting Accessibility and Inclusion in Museums, Monuments, and Palaces (EPAI 2021-2025) aims to enhance cultural participation for individuals with disabilities, aligning with the priorities set by the XXII Constitutional Government regarding cultural heritage and inclusion. The strategy outlines five strategic intervention axes, each with specific general and specific objectives, necessary actions, responsible entities, and budgetary considerations.
Key objectives include the establishment of national and international partnerships with organizations such as UNESCO and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) to facilitate professional exchanges and promote international volunteer programs. The strategy emphasises the importance of monitoring and evaluating these programs annually to ensure their effectiveness and adaptability.
Specific actions involve diversifying access to collections through innovative pedagogical resources, creating cultural mediation structures, and diagnosing accessibility conditions across various platforms. The strategy also seeks to implement accessible and inclusive programming, ensuring that cultural offerings meet the diverse needs of all audiences.
Furthermore, the EPAI encourages member states to adopt inclusive national policies across various sectors, including culture, and to develop services that promote independent living and community engagement. By fostering synergies with other national strategies focused on rights promotion, the EPAI aims to create a comprehensive framework that enhances the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and ensures their full participation in society through cultural engagement.
