ART&SIGNS – Art, Culture and Museum Accessibility for Deaf Audience

Summary

ART&SIGNS developed training and resources in 14 languages - both written and sign languages - to make museums more accessible to Deaf visitors. Museum staff were trained in basic sign language and Deaf culture awareness, while Deaf experts played a key role in co-creating video dictionaries and training materials. The project promoted genuine inclusion and encouraged cultural participation by ensuring that the voices and experiences of the Deaf community were central to the process.

“Thanks to ART&SIGNS, museum workers learned basic sign language and Deaf culture awareness. Now, Deaf visitors are welcomed, included, and can enjoy art without feeling alienated.”

Topic(s) addressed

• Accessibility
• Inclusion
• Sign language education
• Deaf culture
• Cultural participation
• Staff professional development

Target group(s)  

• 96 museum workers
• 21 Deaf and hearing trainers
• 630+ indirect stakeholders (museum staff, etc)

Methodologies used

The project adopted a collaborative approach, beginning with a needs analysis conducted with both Deaf and museum communities. Together, they co-created a curriculum and open resources in 14 languages - seven written languages and seven sign languages (including six national sign languages and International Sign).  

The team produced 105 video dictionaries, comprising over 2,500 sign language videos, developed in cooperation with external stakeholders such as sign language linguists and organisations specialising in sign vocabulary. This ensured both linguistic accuracy and cultural relevance. Blended, peer-led training and the active involvement of learners and stakeholders ensured real-world impact and meaningful inclusion.

Innovation environment

ART&SIGNS fostered innovation by developing a universally accessible, multilingual e-learning platform compliant with WCAG 2.0 standards, encouraging ongoing user contributions. Museums and schools served as enablers of innovation, creating inclusive environments that support Deaf participation. The resources produced are open-access, sustainable, and designed for use beyond the original partnership. By adopting a whole-institution approach and fostering collaboration across the cultural and educational sectors, the project ensured long-term relevance and impact.

Teachers’ role

Teachers and Deaf trainers acted as innovators, co-designing and delivering accessible content and video dictionaries. They fostered a sense of wellbeing and belonging among participants, while developing new competences in accessibility and Deaf culture. Collaboration across borders and disciplines enriched the learning process. Peer learning was central to the project, with Deaf and hearing trainers jointly facilitating sessions and modelling inclusive, collaborative practices.

Impact and output

The project's direct impact included upskilling 96 museum professionals and 21 trainers in Deaf accessibility, leading to increased confidence and awareness. It also reached over 630 indirect beneficiaries - such as Deaf visitors, museum staff, and community members - through events, the online platform, and educational resources. The project prioritised the inclusion of participants with disabilities and fewer opportunities. Its open-access resources continue to generate a strong spill-over effect, benefiting museums, cultural institutions, trainers, and communities across Europe.

Learn more about the project