Who Are the Speakers of Part 2 of the Webinar Series?

INCLUSION IN MUSEUMS: PRESENTATION OF BEST PRACTICES

In an era where cultural institutions are becoming more inclusive, this webinar offers a unique opportunity to hear from experts who are leading the charge in making museums more accessible for all audiences. From sensory-friendly exhibitions to remote engagement strategies, the speakers will showcase innovative and cost-effective approaches to inclusivity that can be implemented in museums worldwide.

The Program of the Second Part // 14 March 2025, 13:00–15:00 CET

The second session of the webinar will feature museum professionals and experts in the field who have developed and implemented innovative strategies to foster inclusion in cultural institutions. Some presenters will discuss their articles published in the collection “Inclusion in Museums: A Collection of Best Practices,” while others will share their practical experiences and insights on advancing accessibility and inclusivity in museums. Each presentation will be allocated 10 minutes, followed by 5 minutes for questions.

WATCH THE RECORDING OF THE PRESENTATIONS HERE.

Agenda

The detailed agenda of the webinar can be viewed below:

Featured Presentations and Speakers

• Public Libraries as Key Factors for the Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups

Ioana Cornelia Cristina Crihană

Ioana Cornelia Cristina Crihană will present the role of public libraries in fostering inclusion for vulnerable groups through action research. She will highlight best practices from the National Library of Romania (BNaR) and the Metropolitan Library of Bucharest (BMB), focusing on accessibility features and assistive technologies.

BNaR, identified as an accessible institution, offers ramps, lifts, tactile resources, and a digital library for the visually impaired. With support from the Orange Foundation, it has integrated screen readers, magnifiers, and Braille printers. BMB, through EU funding, operates an audiobook studio, enabling volunteers to produce audio materials.

The session will also explore the impact of these initiatives on stakeholders, particularly within the SHIFT project, which enhances cultural heritage accessibility. Findings from the SHIFT TO INCLUSION workshop, involving persons with disabilities, educators, and support organizations, demonstrate how technology improves library services for vulnerable groups.

Ioana Cornelia Cristina Crihană is the Executive Director of Romania’s leading public library association. With expertise in digital enterprise management, financial consultancy, and advertising, she has extensive experience in media, government, and the software industry. For over 15 years, she has led cultural and educational projects, advocating for inclusive education and accessibility.

• Adapting Museums in Times of Crisis: Inclusion Lessons from the History Museum of BiH

Amar Karapuš and Elma Hodžić

Amar Karapuš and Elma Hodžić will present how the History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina adapted its practices to maintain inclusivity and accessibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their article examined innovative strategies that aligned with ICOM’s evolving definition of museums as dynamic, inclusive spaces engaging with contemporary social issues.

During the pandemic, the museum transitioned its content to digital platforms, ensuring public access beyond its physical space. The presentation will highlight inclusive workshops, the development of digital museum tools, and projects such as a tactile mural and an animated film about the museum. These initiatives, initially designed as crisis responses, have become essential for fostering engagement with diverse audiences.

Elma Hodžić is a curator at the History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, actively involved in revitalizing the museum through programs that encourage societal dialogue and reinterpret historical narratives. She has curated over 50 exhibitions and developed educational programs for various audiences, with a focus on the role of museums in shaping collective memory and identity.

Amar Karapuš is a museum advisor specializing in the history of the Second World War in former Yugoslavia, contentious histories, and preventive conservation. Since joining the History Museum in 2007, he has curated exhibitions, developed accessible museum spaces, and contributed to research on historical interpretation for public engagement.

• Inclusivity, Accessibility and Usability in the Making – Shaping the Museum with the Help of Stakeholder Visitor

Klaudia Klára Tvergyák

Klaudia Klára Tvergyák will present the Semmelweis Museum’s efforts to enhance accessibility through the SHIFT Horizon Europe project. The museum develops innovative technological solutions for diverse visitor groups, including individuals who are deaf, blind, or on the autism spectrum.

By integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and multi-modal data processing, the museum designs tailored tools such as haptic interfaces and linguistic analysis systems to improve visitor engagement. Comprehensive assessments ensure these innovations create meaningful cultural experiences. The session will highlight how digital transformation fosters inclusivity and sets new standards for accessibility in cultural institutions.

Klaudia Klára Tvergyák is a grant consultant at the Hungarian National Museum, overseeing international cooperation projects. With a background in history, linguistics, and digital education, she has led EU-funded initiatives on innovation, inclusion, and education for over 15 years. She currently leads the SHIFT project team.

• Educational Forms of Niš National Museum Intended for Persons with Disabilities

Željko Anđelković

Željko Anđelković will present the Niš National Museum’s approach to fostering social inclusion through educational programs tailored for persons with disabilities. The session will highlight long-term collaborations with the “Mara” Center for Social Care Services in Niš and showcase workshops designed to accommodate diverse abilities.

The presentation will also examine the training of museum professionals in Serbia, focusing on their preparedness to engage with marginalized groups. It will provide insights into challenges and best practices for enhancing accessibility in museum education.

Željko Anđelković is a cultural tourism expert and Assistant Professor at the University of Niš, Faculty of Science, Department of Geography and Tourism. He worked as a senior curator and museum activities manager at the National Museum Niš from 2012 to 2023. He holds a BA in tourism, a master’s degree from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade, and a PhD from the Faculty of Science in Novi Sad, specializing in visitor satisfaction with tour guide performances in cultural tourism. His expertise spans museum education, accessibility, and heritage interpretation.

• Inclusivity and Visibility Actions for Sustainable Cultural Development – IVA

Derviš Hadžimuhamedović

Derviš Hadžimuhamedović will present the IVA initiative, a project enhancing inclusivity in museums across Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Supported by UNESCO through the Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans (CC4WBs) project and funded by the European Union, IVA aims to improve accessibility and visitor experience in cultural institutions.

The initiative focuses on inclusive management strategies, institutional networking, and modern technological solutions. Key partners include the cities of Sarajevo and Podgorica, along with major museums in both countries. The session will provide insights into the project’s methodologies and its potential to serve as a replicable model for cultural heritage preservation and inclusion.

Derviš Hadžimuhamedović is a project manager at the City of Sarajevo’s Department for Sustainable Development. An archaeologist specializing in cultural heritage management, he has coordinated the International Summer School Youth and Heritage since 2017 and actively participates in international heritage conferences, including UNESCO and World Heritage Committee meetings.

• From Dots to Dialogue: Bridging Perception, Art, and Human Connection

Tudor Paul Scripor

Tudor Paul Scripor will present the Scripor Alphabet, an innovative tactile system that allows blind and visually impaired individuals to perceive and communicate colors. In this session, he will explore the impact of this groundbreaking invention, demonstrating how it redefines accessibility in museums, education, and the arts. The presentation will highlight real-world applications, successful implementations, and the profound impact of inclusive design in the arts and education sectors.

Tudor Paul Scripor is an inventor, accessibility consultant, and advocate for inclusive innovation. He developed the Scripor Alphabet, a universal tactile system for color perception and communication designed for blind and visually impaired individuals. His work focuses on bridging accessibility gaps in education, culture, and industry through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. With extensive experience in art and disability inclusion, he is committed to creating a world where colors become a universally shared experience.

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The webinar is part of the SHIFT project (Metamorphosis of Cultural Heritage Into Augmented Hypermedia Assets for Enhanced Accessibility and Inclusion) that is being funded by the European Union Horizon Europe program.

Don’t miss out—register today to secure your spot!

More about SHIFT project here.

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