Training on making cultural venues and products accessible
Personalised programmes to promote understanding and awareness
How is accessibility defined, and how does it fit into cultural contexts that fall outside the scope of regulations?
These questions form the basis of our training programmes, which are designed to equip participants with analytical tools and increase awareness of accessibility.
Throughout our courses, we share our approach to accessibility and explore its different meanings. We examine the various representations and models of disability and learn how to recognise and map the barriers around us and that prevent many individuals from participating fully in society: these include spatial barriers – whether physical, sensory or perceptual – and cultural barriers, or related to communication, language, access and hospitality, among many others. We then identify the tools and strategies available to reduce or eliminate them.
Working together enables us to build a strong foundation of knowledge and grasp the potential applications and critical aspects of a subject comprehensively. We train ourselves to consider things from different perspectives, so that we can design activities, spaces, and cultural products geared towards accessibility for all.
We tailor our training programmes to the specific requirements of each organisation, customising the timing, delivery and content of the courses we offer.
Acquiring the basic skills usually takes two to three days. However, we can also arrange modules focusing on specific areas, such as clear communication, interacting with people with disabilities, welcoming skills, and much more.
Ideally, we would prefer to meet in person, but if distance or budget is an issue, we can also hold meetings online or in a hybrid format.
What to expect from our training programmes on cultural accessibility
Our programmes are characterised by a playful approach and a focus on group activities. Our lively sessions are designed to encourage participants to talk and collaborate with each other, with the aim of fostering capacity building and facilitating active learning. Consequently, our accessibility programmes combine theoretical learning with practical application. We use informative slides to share valuable insights and facts on the language of disability, the meaning of accessibility, and the often-overlooked barriers to accessing cultural content.
On the other hand, the work methods and tools developed by us and other organisations in the sector enable us to play an active role. Using TECLA, Checklist and Personas allows us to understand the current state of accessibility in each participating organisation: we are able to pinpoint issues and barriers at various levels, ranging from physical spaces to online procedures. In order to determine and understand what prevents or limits people with disabilities from participating in social and cultural life, it is first necessary to identify and comprehend these factors, so that strategies and tools can then be developed to overcome these barriers.
In this respect, it is extremely useful to consider existing solutions and the best practices that have already been adopted by other cultural organisations, both nationally and internationally: we share these materials and experiences in order to draw inspiration from them and start envisaging new forms of production and access.
Who is responsible for teaching these skills? It depends. The basic course is taught by the people who work at Fedora. For more specialised topics (such as Italian Sign Language, tactile maps or easy-to-read language), we engage the services of professionals with expertise in the relevant field.
Our target audience
Our cultural accessibility training is intended for theatres, theatre companies, festivals, cultural centres, museums and anyone working in fields involving education and culture, events or live performances.
Every programme is designed to meet the specific learning objectives and requirements of its participants.
Our course is a valuable addition to awareness-raising and refresher programmes for working groups, including those funded through public or private funding and calls for proposals.
Here are a few real-life examples to give you a better idea of how we work:
Would you like to find out more?
If any of the things we have mentioned interest you, or if you would like to find out more about our work or potential collaboration opportunities, please feel free to get in touch. Fill in the form with your details and provide a brief description of what you would like to know. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Would you like to take an Italian language course online from the comfort of your office or home?
FOSCA is an online course designed for people who have heard of cultural accessibility, but don’t know how to implement it, and for those who want to find out more.
60 hours of live content in Italian language to explore and learn more about accessibility, with a focus on language and practical strategies to increasingly promote an open, diverse and shared culture.
Due to the complexity of the lessons, the course is suitable for students who have at least a B2 level of Italian.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a training programme on cultural accessibility cost?
Our courses do not have a fixed price. The cost varies depending on the duration and complexity of the programme (for example, whether or not it includes in-depth modules). To receive a realistic cost estimate, please get in touch and tell us what you want to achieve: we will then prepare an offer tailored to your needs, even in terms of price.
2. How long does the training programme last?
Again, it depends. The programme has no set duration. Instead, it is organised according to the availability of the participants and the topics to be covered. The basic course generally lasts two to three days.
3. Can I take the course online?
Yes, training sessions are offered either online or in a hybrid format. However, if you’re looking for a fully online course, FOSCA may be an ideal option for you.
4. Will certificates or qualifications be issued at the end of the course?
No, we do not issue certificates. However, if requested, we can record attendance and fill in the necessary documents for reporting purposes, if you need them for any funding programmes.
5. Does the course promote autonomy in project design and implementation?
The training provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the relevant terminology and issues relating to the accessibility of your organisation or project, as well as potential scope for action. However, this alone is not enough to train skilled or expert professionals.
