INCLUSIVE PROJECTS IN PORTUGUESE CULTURE

Abstract

This article analyzes inclusive cultural practices in Portugal that promote access to art and heritage for people with disabilities, Deaf individuals, and neurodivergent people. Based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006), it reaffirms the right to cultural participation on equal terms. The research combines an analysis of projects developed by museums and cultural centers with interviews conducted with members of ACAPO — the Portuguese Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted. Resources such as tactile images, audio description, braille, plain language, and assistive technologies are evaluated. The findings show that cultural accessibility goes beyond technical adaptations: it requires the active participation of people with disabilities in designing solutions and a deep institutional transformation. This involves eliminating physical, communicational, and attitudinal barriers, turning cultural spaces into fairer and more representative environments. The conclusion is that accessibility is a collective ethical and political practice, essential for a truly democratic and inclusive culture. Building accessible cultural spaces demands commitment, active listening, and shared responsibility among institutions, professionals, and communities.