Senses in Dialogue
Presentation of the Accessibility Study of the IMMA Collection

The Foundation of the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle and the Modern History of Macedonia (IMMA) and Off Stream present the comprehensive study “Senses in Dialogue: A Participatory Accessibility Approach to the IMMA Collection” on Tuesday, March 3 at 18:00, in the “Alexandros Chaitoglou” Hall of the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle.

The Study, carried out within IMMA’s strategy for the systematic enhancement of accessibility and inclusion, was completed following a multi-layered research and participatory process. Its aim was to develop a coherent framework of proposals to ensure equal access to the Museum’s exhibition content for individuals with partial or total vision loss, Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

Based on the principles of Inclusive Design, Creative Access, and Participatory Design—and following the disability movement’s principle “nothing about us without us”—the Study was developed with the active participation of a four-member Focus Group consisting of individuals with sensory disabilities, in collaboration with specialized professionals in the fields of Museology, Museum Education, and Greek Sign Language Interpretation.

During the presentation, the Study’s research team will outline the methodology followed, the main research findings, the proposed interventions, and the strategic plan for the gradual implementation of these proposals in the coming years. A greeting will be delivered at the event by the Deputy Regional Governor for Health & Social Solidarity of the Region of Central Macedonia, Ms. Melina Dermentzopoulou.

The Study now serves as a comprehensive planning guide, laying the foundation for a long-term accessibility policy at IMMA and strengthening its role as a cultural institution that meaningfully invests in inclusion.

The collaboration between IMMA and Off Stream, combined with the participatory methodology adopted, constitutes an innovative example of implementing accessibility policies within the Greek museum sector, where research becomes a tool for institutional change and for substantially broadening access to culture.

The project was implemented with the grant and auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Directorate of Modern Cultural Heritage.

Contributors

General Supervision:
Stavroula Mavrogeni, Professor at the University of Macedonia, Director of KEMIT – IMMA

Supervision, Coordination & Museological Guidance:
Athina Pavlidou, Philologist & Museologist, Cultural Manager, Director of IMMA

Scientific Responsibility:
Off Stream

Research & Writing:
Stella Anastasaki, Art Historian, Archaeologist
Christina Vlachou, Cultural Manager, Economist

Scientific Support & Museological Accessibility:
Chara Kanari, Assistant Professor, School of Early Childhood Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Scientific Support for Accessibility of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Individuals & Greek Sign Language Interpretation Services:
Spyros Kouzelis, Certified Greek Sign Language Interpreter

Focus Group:
Matina Dritsa, Rafaelia Kaklimani, Dora Moirasgenti, Fani Tsikoura

Graphic Design:
Mariza Tsakona

Grant & Auspices:
Ministry of Culture, Directorate of Modern Cultural Heritage