PwD Playpen: reflections on the inclusion paradox in cultural initiatives

Abstract

This study explores the paradoxical nature of inclusive practices for disabled individuals within the public initiatives and internal institutional policies governing cultural institutions. Accessibility in this field is often confined to segregated and stereotyped spaces, which we ironically call “Cercadinho PCD” (“PwD Playpen”). The history of disability shows exclusion and dominant societal norms that reinforce stereotypes, hindering full participation in various social contexts. Cultural accessibility asks for the deconstruction of normative narratives and the validation and celebration of the experiences and contributions of disabled people in the arts, fostering a critical understanding of inclusion models.