Thesis Evolution, Starr

In the past several weeks, my thesis has undergone significant changes. Continuing to delve further down the rabbit hole of research, I started to better understand all of the facets I will need to explain further. Throughout this process, I have received the feedback of needing to narrow the scope of the project, and it seems like the changes I've made will create a more effective end result. 

The framing of the initial research was looking from a psychological perspective at how accessibility efforts are implemented in museums. This study was primarily targeted toward museum personnel and looked at issues of implicit bias, discrimination, and cultural awareness. Through conducting research in the realms of museum accessibility, museum studies broadly, disability studies, and civil rights law, I unearthed a more fundamental dichotomy which the thesis is now exploring. 

 Now, the project has evolved to look at the difference between perceiving museum accessibility as a legal obligation or an ethical opportunity. The necessity of cultural institutions to engage diverse communities is often discussed in the "identity crisis" of many museums. 

Carmen Papalia, Blind Field Shuttle, 2012.

The project will include a synthesis of museum studies theoretical frameworks, and inclusionary laws. Additionally, the thesis will utilize case study examples to illustrate diverse accessibility practices. One of the case studies, and theoretical frameworks discussed will be the work of Carmen Papalia, a blind artist who argues for experience-based learning and accessibility efforts in cultural institutions.[1]



[1] Carmen Papalia, “A New Model for Access in the Museum,” Disability Studies Quarterly 33, no. 3 (May 12, 2013).