Abstract:
This dissertation is based on the principle that cultural heritage plays an essential role in building social connections and promoting historical knowledge. In this context, Social Museology redefines its role by integrating museological practices and social justice, seeking to transform cultural spaces into more inclusive and participatory environments. The work analyzed the connections between heritage preservation and accessibility actions in three cultural spaces in Cachoeira-BA: Cine Teatro Cachoeirano, Casa de Câmara e Cadeia and Museu Hansen. Based on the assumption that accessibility is an instrument of inclusion and participation, the study investigated how these spaces can become environments for equitable coexistence. The methodology combined qualitative approaches (semi-structured interviews with managers and people with disabilities) and quantitative approaches (multidimensional analysis of accessibility, based on Sassaki 2009), following the concomitant transformative strategy. Data triangulation revealed that, although there is robust legislation on accessibility, physical barriers (lack of ramps and tactile signage), communicational barriers (lack of audio description) and attitudinal barriers (lack of preparation of managers) persist. The historical analysis, supported by authors such as Teixeira (2017; 2022), Sarraf (2008; 2018), Alves (2018; 2020) and Moraes (2018), showed that the exclusion of people with disabilities in these spaces is a legacy of heritage policies that prioritize monumentality over social use, in addition to a limited and mistaken understanding of the concept of accessibility. The results highlighted that accessibility initiatives were only effective when articulated with local actors, but in a specific way. It is concluded that ensuring accessibility not only combats inequalities, but also redefines heritage as a collective good, transforming it into a support for plural memories and intercultural dialogue.
