Accessibility in Italian University Museum of School and Education

The present paper aims at analysing the concept of accessibility in the Italian uni- versity museums, especially in the school and education ones. In the contemporary complex social context, the presence of people with different types of disabilities and of ethnic minorities makes extremely necessary to promote the recognition of these disadvantaged groups in cultural institutions and to develop their social inclusion. Especially in museums linked to formal education systems, such as university mu- seums, accessibility should not be considered only as a mere welcoming action, but support all people growth, proposing activities and tools cultural heritage to an in- creasing number of users. Moreover, since universities museums play a pivotal role in the student’s professional training and knowledge development, accessibility appears necessary in the promotion of a meaningful and deep museum experience. Focus- ing on the concept of accessibility within University Museums, the present research study analyse the condition of Italian University Museums of school and education in terms of «inclusion» and «integration». These Museums have been examined by the Centre for Museum Studies (cdm) research group, based at University of Roma Tre, through the use of an evaluation tool, ad hoc designed for the present research. The survey was distributed to the Directors or Managers of different University Mu- seums of school and education in Italy: the Museum of school and education «Mauro Laeng» - University of Roma Tre; Museum of School «Paolo e Ornella Ricca» - Uni- versity of Macerata; Museum of Education - University of Padua; Museum «MOdE - Museo Officina dell’Educazione» - University of Bologna; «Museum of School and Popular Education» of the University of Molise. The results will focus on the exis- tence and effectiveness or not of innovative teaching methods aimed at supporting social disadvantaged groups inclusion.