Accessibility and cultural heritage : a new international paradigm

This paper proposes an inclusive model for approaching cultural heritage, exploring innovative practices aimed at breaking down intellectual barriers and promoting the participation of vulnerable groups, particularly individuals with mental disorders. The primary goal is to transform cultural heritage into a tool for combating social exclusion and fostering a sense of identity, ensuring equitable access for even the most fragile communities. The pilot project forms the core of this study in the fields of education and mental health, actively involving students and psychiatric patients in the co-creation of strategies to enhance heritage accessibility, in line with the 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Convention explicitly recognizes in art. 30 the right of persons with disabilities to participate in cultural life on an equal basis, emphasizing the importance of providing cultural materials in accessible formats and opportunities to develop their creative, artistic, and intellectual potential. The methodology aims to establish a replicable model with international relevance, promoting accessibility as a new cultural paradigm that views heritage as a platform for sharing and exchange (European Commission, 2018). The pilot project includes participants from the "Montello" psychiatric community in Roccasecca (FR), the "Thaon de Revel" psychiatric community in Ancona, the "Anton Giulio Bragaglia" Art High School in Frosinone, and the "Edgardo Mannucci" Art High School in Ancona. Reframing cultural heritage through an accessibility-focused approach offers the potential to develop equitable socio-cultural tools, turning inclusion into a tangible process of cultural reclamation. This approach aligns with international priorities, challenging traditional paradigms and ensuring that all voices are freely expressed in an open, broad and participatory debate.