Other services
To complement or enhance cultural accessibility initiatives
As well as providing training, support and project design services, we also offer a range of other services to complement our core offering. These include accessible communication materials and resources that make cultural content more accessible, as well as thematic courses and initiatives for schools.
These services can be provided either directly by us or by one of our partner organisations: either way, a member of the Fedora team will be responsible for management and liaising with the relevant body or organisation.
Here’s everything we can do together with our network:
Videos in Italian, International or other sign languages
As well as providing training, support and project design services, we also offer a range of other services to complement our core offering. These include accessible communication materials and resources that make cultural content more accessible, as well as thematic courses and initiatives for schools.
These services can be provided either directly by us or by one of our partner organisations: either way, a member of the Fedora team will be responsible for management and liaising with the relevant body or organisation.
Subtitles in Italian or other languages
We provide videos in Italian Sign Language (LIS) to make cultural content and events more accessible. All translations into LIS are carried out by qualified sign language interpreters and professionals.
The videos can be used in a wide range of contexts. For example, they can be featured in museums or theatres to present an exhibition or performance, or published online to provide information or practical guidance. They can also be accompanied by Italian subtitles and audios, further enhancing their accessibility for a broader audience.
In collaboration with native sign language interpreters, we also produce videos in International Sign (IS) and other sign languages.
Audio description in Italian or other languages
Audio description is a service that allows blind and visually impaired people to enjoy products, services, and spaces. What is AD actually? AD is an audio track aimed at transforming images into a verbal narrative: using a narrator’s voice, we describe what is happening around the user – on stage, at the exhibition – without interfering with dialogues or other relevant sounds.
We deal with audiovisual, theatrical, poetic, and museum audio description, in Italian and other languages.
Sensory platforms
These devices transform sounds and music into vibrations that stimulate the body, enabling individuals with sensory disabilities to participate and engage in activities.
The platforms are provided and managed by Fedora’s experienced staff as part of cultural accessibility initiatives for events and live performances. However, they can also be hired for standalone initiatives.
Sensory kits
We support the organisations we work with by designing and producing sensory kits that are tailored to the specific needs of their target audiences. Available in a variety of formats, the kits contain items designed to enhance the visitor experience, facilitate participation, and encourage self-stimulatory behaviour. Designed for adults and young girls and boys, including those with disabilities, they offer a guided approach to cultural experiences with a focus on accessibility.
Tactile maps
Tactile maps are useful tools that help visitors find their way around exhibition spaces and cultural venues in general. The panels illustrate the layout of the spaces, featuring both raised print and Braille texts, so they can be touched and read. They are made from various materials and often feature contrasting colours, which makes them easier to read.
Tactile maps are complemented by tactile exploration guides consisting of audio narrations that guide users as they explore the map.
Fedora produces the tactile maps in partnership with La Girobussola APS, an organisation that specialises in the mediation of cultural heritage and inclusive tourism, focusing particularly on accessibility for people with visual impairment.
Space mapping
The process of mapping a cultural space involves collecting useful information about a specific location. What does it involve? We produce an accessible document that provides a detailed description of a venue’s layout, including routes to different areas within it, the public transport options available, etc. This tool enables people to familiarise themselves with the venue before their visit, helping them to navigate it independently while taking into account the available aids and potential obstacles.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is intended to facilitate communication for individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities who are unable to use conventional communication devices. AAC encompasses a variety of techniques and methods, which may also include icons, pictures and gestures. It is also possible to translate cultural content into AAC format using visual communication boards, simplified guides and apps with AAC symbols, among other things. To produce AAC materials, Fedora works with Maddalena Tomasi, who specialises in translating cultural content and informational material into simple languages, using symbol writing and easy-to-read language.
Easy-to-read language
The use of easy-to-read language facilitates comprehension for a broader audience, including those with diverse needs. Using simplified language actually makes cultural products more accessible to people with learning or reading difficulties, the elderly, and foreign nationals. It can be applied to both online and offline content, covering various aspects of text, from word choice and sentence structure to formatting. In order to produce these materials, we collaborate with experienced professionals, as well as with ANFFAS, the National Association of Families and People with Intellectual Disabilities and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, to ensure they are easily understood by test readers. Test readers are individuals with intellectual disabilities who play an active role in ensuring that texts are accessible.
Braille prints
Tactile supports are an essential tool for helping blind or visually impaired people to read independently and find their way around exhibition spaces, events and places of cultural interest. Thanks to our partnership with specialised printing houses, we can also provide Braille prints of signage, maps and display panels, which are available in a variety of types, materials and sizes, depending on the application and specific requirements.
Visual stories and social stories
In order to make content accessible to a diverse audience, Fedora creates visual stories, which are information sheets containing brief texts in simple language along with pictures. These tools are particularly useful for people with disabilities, as they help them to better understand how the cultural organisation’s activities and environments work, and how to behave appropriately within them.
Visual stories provide a simplified way of telling social stories, helping people with autism (especially children, but also adults) to interpret social situations and develop their ability to interact with and build relationships with others. They also help reduce anxiety and encourage positive behaviour. Fedora works alongside specialist organisations to develop social guides and stories.
School activities
We develop activities and projects for primary and secondary schools to raise awareness of accessibility issues among young girls and boys, as well as teenagers. Every session is carefully designed to be dynamic and engaging: depending on the length of the session and the topics discussed, the programme may include theoretical lessons and workshops tailored to the age group of the participants. We work closely with each school to decide on the topics to be addressed, making sure that these sessions are actually valuable and fit in with the curriculum.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much do the extra services cost?
It depends: the cost may vary depending on specific requirements and any existing collaborations. If you would like more detailed information about any of our services, please get in touch.
2. Do you provide all the services yourselves?
No, Fedora only carries out some of the activities described directly. For the rest, it relies on collaborations with trusted and experienced organisations. As a general rule, we manage all project partners, except in exceptional circumstances.
3. Are these services available all year round?
No, the availability of services depends on who is providing them. Please call or message us to let us know what assistance you require: we will get in touch to discuss whether we can help and, if so, how.
4. Our organisation provides services that are similar to yours. Would you be interested in collaborating with us?
We are always happy to meet new professionals who can help make culture more accessible. Please feel free to tell us more about yourself or your organisation. We are always interested in exploring new collaboration opportunities.
