Evaluación de la accesibilidad en los museos del cantón Manta.

Abstract

This study analyzes the accessibility of three museums in Manta Canton, Ecuador (Manta Cultural Center, Cancebí Ethnographic Center, and Pacocha Dr. José Reyes Cedeño), with the overall objective of ensuring that the country's 480,776 people with disabilities (MSP, 2023) can exercise their right to culture. Through direct observation and surveys of 384 visitors, progress was identified in infrastructure, such as ramps and elevators, but significant deficiencies persist, such as the absence of tactile paving, Braille signage, audio guides, and visual alarms, which creates limitations for 27% of respondents with disabilities. Solutions such as the incorporation of assistive technologies (augmented reality, Braille, sign language), staff training in inclusion, and adapted educational programs, especially for young people (44% of visitors), are proposed in order to transform museums into inclusive spaces that promote equity, social cohesion, cultural tourism, and sustainable development in Manta.