Background and Mission
We are all nurtured by the cultures we belong to, just as each of us, in turn, helps shape the characteristics of those cultures. Individuals and human culture exist in mutual growth and harmony, inseparably intertwined. As such, cultural accessibility and social inclusion embody a human-centered vision that honors every individual equally. They are the foundation of cultural sustainability and are also an ongoing commitment without limitation.
The concept of cultural accessibility for all centers on actively ensuring every person’s right to engage with and fully participate in cultural activities regardless of identity, age, gender, location, ethnicity, or disability. Social inclusion seeks to create spaces for equal participation, grounded in respect for each individual’s uniqueness. Accessibility provides the foundation and right for equal access to resources and self-expression, while inclusion fosters interaction and appreciation among diverse cultures. Through these encounters, human cultures continue to generate new ideas and foster growth, while different communities naturally develop mutual understanding and empathy.
The International Conference on Cultural Accessibility and Social Inclusion serves as a platform for exchanging professional knowledge and practical experience. It brings together experts, scholars, practitioners, and leaders from related fields to learn about emerging global perspectives through a forum and workshops. By examining a wide range of case studies, attendees not only gain new insight into service practices within cultural spaces but also expand their ability to create inclusive environments that promote cultural accessibility and social inclusion for all.
Annual Theme: Inheriting the Past, Inspiring the Future
Efforts to promote cultural accessibility have been underway in the Western world for more than thirty years. In Taiwan, the movement toward cultural equity gained formal momentum in 2014, when the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) were incorporated into national policies. To date, both in Taiwan and abroad, accessibility and inclusion services are still in development. Some institutions are in the early stages of exploring various means of serving diverse audiences with special needs, while others have already implemented a comprehensive and holistic spectrum of services, from barrier-free, universally designed facilities to permanent accessibility and inclusion programs.
Professionals in cultural accessibility and social inclusion must not only possess a strong understanding of cultural equity, disability awareness, accessibility, and inclusion, but also a keen awareness to identify the specific needs of diverse communities. Continuing to strengthen professional expertise, staying informed of both international and local developments, and creating high-quality accessible, inclusive spaces are the shared aspirations among the practitioners in this field.
The 2025 International Conference on Cultural Accessibility and Social Inclusion (CASI 2025) is organized under the theme “Inheriting the Past, Inspiring the Future.” The accomplishments built over the years serve as the foundation for further progress, while the conference itself is a catalyst that drives this progress.
Designed with a practical focus, the conference program features keynote speeches, panel discussions, roundtable sessions, and workshops that invite participants to learn from the recent insights and practices of leading experts from Taiwan and abroad. For both experienced professionals and newcomers to the field, the conference provides an opportunity to build expertise, stay attuned to global developments, and envision future directions for cultural accessibility and inclusion. We hope that every participant will leave inspired to become a creator of new possibilities in advancing accessible and inclusive services.