Sharjah: The Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a steadfast commitment to inclusivity, celebrating over a decade of creating accessible cultural spaces for all.
SMA ensures that individuals with disabilities can explore and engage with its museums through thoughtfully designed infrastructure. Features include designated parking spaces with ramps near entrances, automatic doors, and lowered reception desks. Inside, visitors benefit from spacious elevators, accessible restrooms, and clearly marked emergency exits. Free entry and wheelchair availability further enhance accessibility.
These efforts have earned SMA international acclaim, with the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and the Sharjah Maritime Museum being recognized as disability-friendly by the International Federation for People with Disabilities in 2020.
The designation was renewed in 2021, expanding to include the Sharjah Aquarium and Sharjah Archaeology Museum.
SMA’s programming highlights its dedication to inclusivity:
- Autism-Friendly Museums: A pioneering initiative in the Gulf region, this program offers sensory activities for children with autism in a supportive environment.
- Tactile Tours: Designed for visually impaired visitors, these tours use replicas and Braille labels to make exhibits accessible.
- Educational Workshops: Programs like “Your Summer is Fun” include tailored sensory activities for children of varying abilities, hosted in collaboration with specialized centers.
- Lamma Event: Annual sensory mosaic workshops at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum encourage creativity and engagement.
SMA integrates individuals with disabilities into the museum experience as active contributors. Initiatives like the “Outstanding Guide in Sign Language” program train hearing-impaired individuals as museum guides, while campaigns such as “Let’s Live Together” promote shared activities to bridge gaps between communities.
Partnerships with organizations like the Masarat Center for Development & Empowerment and Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services enhance SMA’s mission by providing vocational training for individuals with cognitive, psychiatric, or physical disabilities, equipping them for museum-related roles.
As SMA celebrates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it reinforces its vision of museums as inclusive, empowering spaces.