Solutions from Ukraine: Kropyvnytskyi Museum launches groundbreaking interactive space for people with disabilities

The Central Ukrainian Regional Museum of Local Lore in Kropyvnytskyi has created an innovative interactive space for people with disabilities.

Ukraine's Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications (MCSC) informs that.

What is the problem?

As reported, the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Space by 2030 was initiated by the wife of the President, Olena Zelenska, and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in 2021.

The strategy aims to create conditions that help every person, regardless of gender, age, origin, health status, and social status, fully exercise their rights and freedoms.

What is the solution?

Therefore, on November 20, the Central Ukrainian Regional Museum of Local Lore presented the results of the "Museum for All" project, which was implemented by the institution's team within the framework of the "Culture without Barriers" program with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation and discussed issues of barrier-free access in the museum environment.

How does it work?

The event was attended by Kateryna Koltunova, Deputy Head of the Kirovohrad Regional Military Administration; Yurii Semeniuk, First Deputy Head of the Kirovohrad Regional Council; Uliana Sokolenko, Director of the Culture Department of the Kirovohrad Regional Military Administration, as well as project partners – Liliia Misiunia, Director of the municipal institution "Kropyvnytskyi City Center for Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Provision of Social Services for Persons with Disabilities" and Yurii Voronov, Director of the municipal institution "Inclusive Resource Center No. 3".

The "Museum for All" project aims to create an inclusive museum environment where every visitor, including people with special needs, can interact with the exposition of the nature department.

"The museum is a place for everyone! Thanks to inclusive initiatives, we are creating a space together where everyone can discover the world of history, art, and culture," Lesia Khemraieva, Head of the Department of Accessibility, Gender Equality, and Mental Health at the International Committee of the Red Cross, said.

^{Photo: International Committee of the Red Cross}Project coordinator Valentyna Parkhomchuk noted that the 3DcomLab (Kyiv) company equipped the "Nature" exhibition hall in the museum with:

• a touch-sensitive multimedia table,
• a multimedia 3D book with inclusive functions,

All of them are unique to Ukraine.

A multimedia table with touch-sensitive features and inclusive components has also been installed in the paleontology hall. It provides Braille buttons and voice support for accessing content.

The equipment is accessible for people with musculoskeletal disorders and upper limb prostheses.

The multimedia 3D book "The Red Book of Ukraine" features high–contrast text and backgrounds, along with animated models of animals and plants on its pages. The font size and text have been enlarged, and the page animals now have accompanying audio. The book's design specifically caters to the needs of individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, making it easily accessible to all.

Along with technological advancements, the museum team has crafted three interactive educational programs featuring various activities now available to all visitors.

The scientific director of the project, Viktoriia Sliusarenko, noted that the project included:

• six master classes,
• nine thematic discussions,
• five interactive sessions,
• two educational games and two adapted excursions on paleontology, geology, and environmental protection, including for children with special needs, both in the museum and specialized institutions.

The master classes resulted in an exhibition of children's creative works, which presented about 100 works.

One crucial aspect of the accessibility improvement project is incorporating five Braille information signs created by the "Antolohiia" publishing house and acquiring audio guides featuring a recorded tour that can be used with hearing aids. The project participants stressed how this is a clear benefit for individuals with hearing difficulties.

For reference:

It should be noted that a branch of the Museum of the History of the City of Kyiv has been created in Kyiv—the Museum of the Avant-garde. The purpose of this branch is to preserve and popularize the heritage of Ukrainian avant-garde artists who had a great influence on world culture.

It was also reported that in Kyiv, the Lithuanian Embassy presented a virtual museum of the Tiahyn fortress. This archaeological site of the 14th and 15th centuries, located in the Kherson region, symbolizes the historical heritage of Ukraine, Lithuania, and Crimea. It is now available in digital format.