Barrier-Free ACC... Improving an Inclusive Viewing Environment Without Discrimination

- Culture Complex Continues to Present Barrier-Free Performances and Exhibitions
- 5th Year of 'ACC Meeting in Sign Language' Video Service

The National Asia Culture Center (ACC, Director Lee Kang-hyun) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is expanding and operating barrier-free facilities that eliminate physical and psychological barriers for people with disabilities and the elderly, providing services without restrictions on facility and information accessibility.

[On the 26th of last month, at ACC Theater 3, Kwon Eun-kyung, a sign language interpreter from the Buk-gu Deaf Shelter of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Association of the Korea Deaf Association, is providing simultaneous sign language interpretation during the 'ACC Humanities Lecture: BTS's 10 Years, Innovation and Development of K-pop.']

ACC practices inclusive cultural and artistic education by providing sign language interpretation for its monthly ‘ACC Humanities Lectures.’ At the ‘ACC Humanities Lecture: BTS’s 10 Years, Innovation and Development of K-pop’ held on the 26th of last month at ACC Theater 3, sign language interpretation was simultaneously broadcast live on ACC’s official YouTube channel along with the lecture by music critic Kim Young-dae.

The ‘Meet ACC in Sign Language’ videos, which add voice and explanatory subtitles to sign language interpretation footage, have been ongoing for five years since 2019. This year, ACC introduced exhibitions such as ‘Contemplative Garden, Walking Beyond Imagination,’ ‘Walking, Wandering,’ ‘Immersive Aesthetics ? Nature and Humanism in Art through Digital Media,’ and the ‘ACC Library’ on its official YouTube channel. ACC plans to produce and upload a total of 12 sign language videos at two-week intervals until November. Barrier-free tour content videos of the Culture Center are also posted to assist people with mobility impairments in experiencing ACC.

[ACC Asia Culture Museum (Photo by Gwangju Tourism Organization)]

Using various content and programs, ACC breaks down prejudices about people with disabilities and fosters communication between people with and without disabilities. Until September 3, the ‘Walking, Wandering’ exhibition in Complex Exhibition Halls 3 and 4 features a video artwork highlighting ‘Mobility Rights for People with Disabilities.’ Posters visualizing disaster evacuation methods for people with disabilities, related publications, websites, videos, and the research and previous works that inspired the artwork are also displayed. The ‘Walking, Wandering’ exhibition supports comfortable viewing by posting ‘Easy Text Explanations’ using QR codes to help information-vulnerable groups such as people with developmental disabilities, the elderly, children, and foreigners easily understand and accept the information.

On the 12th-13th and 18th-20th, ACC will hold the barrier-free performance ‘Kkiri?’ at the ACC Children’s Theater. Various barrier-free services such as sign language interpretation and captioning will be provided so that both people with and without disabilities can enjoy the performance comfortably. Notably, a touch tour is introduced where visually impaired individuals can go on stage to touch sets and props directly while a live audio describer narrates the events on stage in real time, enabling them to appreciate the play even without sight.

In October, ACC plans to operate the ‘Easy and Fun Digital ACC’ program targeting elderly people who have difficulty using digital devices such as unmanned kiosks. Special attention is also given to creating spaces and installing facilities to establish a healthy and comfortable barrier-free environment for all. To help those with mobility difficulties plan their visit in advance, virtual reality (VR) guidance is available on the ACC website, and the shortest route video showing wheelchair users traveling via elevators to their destinations can be viewed on the YouTube channel.

The library is equipped with electric desks and information search stations exclusively for wheelchair users, reading magnifiers for the visually and hearing impaired, computers with screen reading software, public hearing aids (sound amplification devices), and other reading assistance equipment to enhance convenience for visitors. Additionally, a sound book (audiobook) experience space has been created and operated where users can comfortably sit, relax, and listen to audiobooks. Large print books, braille books, and tour guides for children are also provided to ensure that everyone can easily access books and use ACC.

Lee Kang-hyun, Director of the National Asia Culture Center, stated, “ACC is making great efforts to create a barrier-free cultural space to become an open cultural institution accessible to all.” He added, “We will continue to improve the viewing environment, including spaces and facilities, and expand barrier-free service guides to ensure that everyone has fair and free access to culture.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.