ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I posit the idea that without D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people in curatorial roles, we cannot effectively challenge embedded ableist principles that manifest in museums. This will be explored in two parts: (1) the lack of artefacts and collections on display in museums that relate to disabled people’s lived experience reinforces ableist ideas that disability history and identity are of a minority interest and importance and (2) traditional curatorial interpretation of objects and exhibitions within the physical space of the museum prioritises ‘normal’ bodies thereby excluding disabled people from fully engaging with collections and heritage.
I use practice-based examples taken from the work of the Accentuate scheme in the UK, including the Curating for Change workplace initiative for D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people pursuing a curatorial career. Fellows undertake paid placements over 18 months within a host museum, researching collections (hidden or underexplored) relating to disabled people, and working with Disability Collection Co-Production Groups to challenge ableist ideas that disability history and identity are a minority concern for museums and audiences.
I conclude that the under-representation and misinterpretation of disability narratives within museums can be more effectively challenged and addressed by disabled museum professionals and specifically disabled curators.
