FIAT/IFTA World Conference 2024

Archival gaps and silences are often examined from the perspective of the content of a collection or the community it serves. Little work has been done on how these archival gaps and silences are felt within the profession itself. The disabled community has particularly felt this lack of professional self-reflection. Disabled archivist representation is quite low according to the little data that has been collected.

This workshop looks to work with conference participants on how to make their archival institutions a more accessible space for disabled archivists in the present and future. Michael shares his own experiences as a trained film archivist with epilepsy alongside his findings on accessibility gaps in moving image archival education.

Themes include programming, metadata, cataloguing, physical and digital accessible archival spaces, training, and equitable hiring practises. Each theme is introduced and contextualized within its current relationship to accessibility relating to pertinent concepts. Concepts outlined include, but are not limited to, trauma-informed archival practise, the person-centered archive, the care-centered archive, and universal design. Not only will these concepts be defined but will be used for strategic action items that institutions can take to make their own archive more accessible.

Michael will address questions, discuss strategies for inclusion, while also opening the floor to conference participants. The interactive nature of this workshop gives attendees the opportunity to share their own accessibility strategies, successes, and opportunities for improvement. A global conference allows for varying perspectives from countries that have different legislation relating to accessibility and the working environment. Collaboration is necessary to create a truly inclusive archival spaces for everyone.