KMOP conducted, in cooperation with public authorities and cultural organisations from eight European regions, a comprehensive study to map the current landscape in cultural venue accessibility. The research—based on surveys with over 400 stakeholders and contributions from more than 100 participants in focus groups—uncovers a stark reality: many cultural spaces remain out of reach for people with disabilities, especially in digital, sensory, and cognitive dimensions.
A Persistent Gap Between Policy and Practice
The study highlights a substantial “perception gap” between what institutions claim is accessible and what individuals with disabilities actually experience. While some regions are advancing inclusive practices, many continue to operate in outdated frameworks, with minimal user engagement and insufficient investment.
A key takeaway from α participant was clear:
The purpose of accessibility is not to implement a regulation or create indicators, but to serve people who are to use them.
Lived Experiences: What People with Disabilities Reported
People with disabilities continue to face structural barriers. These include:
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Physical obstacles in buildings and venues (reported by 61–92% of respondents)
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Lack of sensory adaptations, such as Braille, audio descriptions, or tactile guides (26–76%)
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Economic barriers, limiting participation (35–52%)
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Inaccessible digital tools, including websites and mobile apps (24–47%)
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Lack of sign language interpretation (14–78%)
What Holds Back Progress?
The findings also point to three major systemic challenges faced by cultural organisations:
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Insufficient funding (reported by 45–95%)
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Lack of coordination and clear guidelines (27–63%)
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Gaps in professional knowledge and skills (32–65%)
These constraints reflect a policy implementation gap, not just a design flaw. Bridging this gap requires not only technical upgrades but also inclusive planning, training, and direct involvement of people with lived experience.
These insights stem from KMOP’s involvement in the OpenRegioCulture project, co-funded by the Interreg Europe Programme. The project brings together partners from eight European regions to promote the design of inclusive, interregional cultural policies.
Discover the full report here.