Desirée Nobre Salasar

Desirée holds a Master's degree in Social Memory and Cultural Heritage and is currently a PhD candidate in Sociomuseology with a project funded by FCT under the program Ciência do Património Cultural (Ref. PRT/BD/155005/2023): “O princípio de uso equitativo e o acesso comunicacional a diferentes públicos: um estudo de caso do monumento nacional Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória, Batalha”. She is a member of the ReLeCo Memory, Citizenship and Sociomuseology.

Advisor:  Mário Antas

Co-advisor: Pedro Redol

• Sociomuseology
• Cultural Accessibility
• Accessibility in Museums

Abstract

This research is based on the first principle of Universal Design, Equitable Use, applied to inclusive communication in a national monument to reach universal audiences. Communication, as a structural basis of human existence, and national monuments, as representations of the population, necessitate the exploration of different communicational methods that enhance enjoyment in these spaces. Therefore, the general objective of this thesis is to identify the elements that underpin the communicational accessibility of a museumified monument through Equitable Use. To achieve the objective of this research, a mixed methodology is being employed, seeking to integrate qualitative and quantitative methods, with a case study of the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória as the methodological approach. This research is aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the pillars of the Strategy for the Promotion of Accessibility and Inclusion in Museums, Monuments, and Palaces. As a contribution, it will aim to reflect on and indicate best practices in equity and social justice regarding access for diverse audiences in national monuments.