We’re thrilled to let you know that we have launched a Disability Action Plan (DAP) (PDF, 440.3 KB) for UQ Art Museum, which outlines our priorities, plans and goals to ensure d/Deaf people and people with disabilities can access and enjoy the work that we do.
We acknowledge at the outset that accessibility and inclusion is an area in which we are always learning and growing: we don’t have perfect solutions in place, and we will probably inadvertently make mistakes. However, what we are trying to do with the Plan is provide clear information for our audiences and some defined, measurable goals to help our team make sure we are considering accessibility in everything we do.
Information about the DAP is below, and we have also addressed some Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 102.9 KB) (also available in a Word version (DOCX, 23 KB)).
Consultations in developing the DAP
The UQ Art Museum DAP was developed by and in consultation with:
UQ Art Museum staff who identify as having a disability.
UQ Diversity, Disability and Inclusion team.
UQ Age Friendly University Initiative.
Assessor organisation: Dementia Australia.
External Assessor: Dr Janice Rieger, Access and Universal Design Consultant.
What does the DAP include?
The Plan includes targets related to employment and training, as well as goals and plans specifically related to our work as an art museum. For example: industry-specific training; the production of audio descriptions and audio recordings of exhibition text ; and .
Social model of disability and intersectionality
The traditional view of disability has been the medical model, which sees disability as a problem belonging to the individual, and that it needs to be fixed or cured. The social model of disability shifts the perspective from the individual to society and the social environment. The Australia Council for the Arts states that the social model of disability “distinguishes between the impairment of the person (the condition, illness or loss/lack of function) and disability (the barriers and discrimination created by society). These barriers are seen as being the disabling factors which prevent or limit opportunities. They may take the form of attitudes, discrimination, or the physical environment.”
Not all people who have been diagnosed with a disability identify as having a disability. For example, people from the Deaf community may not always identify as having a disability and may identify as part of a cultural and linguistic group with their first language being Auslan. Likewise, over two in five Australians aged 16-85 have experienced a mental health disorder at some time in their lives and yet some people with a mental health condition may not identify as having a disability.
UQ Art Museum uses the social model of disability approach in its policies, practices, and communication.
We apply an intersectional approach to disability and inclusion. That is, we acknowledge that d/Deaf people and people with disability (both visible and invisible) may also identify with more than one marginalised group that experience barriers to engagement and/or discrimination, and that this may compound the challenges they face when connecting with the Art Museum and its programs.
Consultation with The University of Queensland Disability Action Plan 2023–2025 (UQ DAP)
We’ve developed our Plan in consultation with The University of Queensland Disability Action Plan 2023–2025 (UQ DAP (PDF, 176.5 KB)). The strategies that we have developed for UQ Art Museum’s DAP reflect UQ’s values: creativity, excellence, truth, integrity, courage, and respect and inclusivity. The UQ Art Museum DAP and our commitment to change is an ongoing process that evolves and develops.
Share your feedback with us online, or alternatively you can call or text us on 0457 276 954 from 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday if this is a more accessible option for you. We want to hear your feedback, but please note that we are a small team and will do our best to get back to you within 5 working days.
Additional information
Read the UQ Art Museum Disability Action Plan in PDF format (PDF, 440.3 KB)
Read the UQ Art Museum Disability Action Plan in Word format (DOCX, 288.6 KB)
View accessibility information on our website
View the accessibility website for the We Are Electric exhibition
