The disability variable in chilean cultural policy: evaluation and challenges

Introduction: The origin of the disability is not only in the individual. It is on the interaction between individual and contextual factors and these last ones determine opportunities of participation. When factors are varying, they can modify the condition of disability and eliminate it, even if the person maintains his diagnosis of health. In this sense, public policies are important to address the issue. Thisresearch will focus on the Chilean Cultural Policy,which establishes among its principles:the promotion of access and participation of the community in artistic and cultural initiatives. It is included the variable disability, undoubtedly. Objetive: The objective of the research is to contribute to the effective and appropriate link between the variables “disability” and “access to culture” from public policies, exploring cultural management challenges. Methodology: Based on the concept of universal accessibility, this research has a Methodology of qualitative type. It analyses the public policy programs associated with the variable disability of three State services: Directorate of Libraries, Archives and Museums, National Disability Service and National Council of Culture and Arts. Results:It is evident from the analysis that references of disability and culture are integrated by the Chilean State, and it should certainly be recognized as an advance, but these references do not guarantee the optimum universal accessibility. Conclusions: The cultural manager appears as a relevant actor in the formulation of cultural policy and therefore in the construction of the disability situation.