U.S. Embassy and Dominican Museums launch accessibility and inclusion manual

Santo Domingo.- The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo and the General Directorate of Museums in the Dominican Republic unveiled the “Accessibility and Inclusion Manual for Museums” aimed at creating more inclusive and accessible cultural spaces. The event also featured the opening of the art exhibition “Stories That Unite Us: Let the Bell of Freedom Ring!” showcasing the work of nine prominent Dominican artists. Located at the Museum Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration, the exhibit will be open until January 2025.

Carlos Andújar, Director General of Museums, explained that the manual provides guidelines to ensure museums are welcoming to all, including those with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities. The initiative was co-authored by accessibility expert Magdalena Mieri and María Belissa Ramírez, director of the Museo Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración. Patricia Aguilera, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, emphasized that museums are more than just repositories—they are places for learning and dialogue, and prioritizing inclusion ensures they are accessible to everyone.

Ramírez highlighted that the manual invites rethinking how museums can become more inclusive, using tools such as Braille guides and tactile experiences for those who are blind. The Directorate General of Museums plans to continue improving cultural spaces to ensure they are accessible and meaningful to all. The “Stories That Unite Us” exhibit, organized by the Arawak Art Foundation, presents life-size replicas of the Liberty Bell reimagined by Dominican artists to explore themes of democracy, freedom, and justice. The exhibition includes workshops for young people, fostering creativity and reflection on the values that support a democratic society.