Reviewed as of 10 October 2026. This guide explains the regulation and is not legal advice. If you spot an error, write to me.
Royal Decree 707/2026, of 2 September, approves the Regulation on the basic conditions for cognitive accessibility. It was published on 3 September 2026 and enters into force on 2 January 2027. Its aim is that information, environments and services can be understood, not just used physically.
Which centres are covered by Article 13
Article 13 refers to museums, libraries, archives, auditoriums, theatres, exhibition halls, and other cultural centres and services open to the public whose ownership and management correspond to the General State Administration or the autonomous communities, including their affiliated bodies.
This specific scope does not, in itself, encompass all municipal or private centres. This does not imply that they are exempt from obligations: they may be subject to other provisions, general disability legislation, regional or local regulations, and the rules applicable to services open to the public.
Requirements
Brochures and panels in Easy Read
Brochures and information panels at the centres covered must be available in Easy Read. An alternative to the written format must also be offered, such as audio, visual aids or an accessible technological solution.
Easy Read is a specific, validated method. Summarising is not enough. The guide on Easy Read, plain language and pictograms explains the differences.
At least simple information
Article 13 provides that an effort will be made to have all information available in simple language. In addition, the general regime of the regulation requires at least simple language when neither Easy Read nor plain language applies.
Understandable signage
Signage relating to safety and the order of the visit must be accessible, using pictograms, symbols, or other graphic elements that allow for the differentiation of parts of the exhibition or the route.
Prior sensory information
La norma dispone que se procurará informar con antelación sobre las condiciones ambientales y sobre la posibilidad de personalizar o controlar estímulos como la luz, el sonido o el movimiento. La expresión «se procurará» no tiene la misma fuerza que una obligación formulada como mandato directo, pero establece una pauta normativa clara.
No additional cost or delay
Accessible information may not be charged for separately. In general, requests for accessible information or communication must not result in undue delay.
Monitoring
The biennial report of the Foro de Cultura Inclusiva must include a section on compliance with these conditions.
What the regulation does not establish
- It does not set a specific additional period for cultural centres to adapt following its entry into force.
- It does not create new funding: measures must be addressed using available budgetary resources.
- No obliga a organizar «horas tranquilas» o sesiones de baja estimulación.
- It does not yet impose a single catalogue of pictograms; it provides for one to be proposed within three years of publication.
- It does not say that every individual work label must have its own Easy Read version. The express mandate refers to brochures and information panels within its scope.
Non-compliance is subject to the sanctioning regime of general legislation on the rights of persons with disabilities or, where applicable, to regional regulations.
What to prepare before 2 January 2027
If you manage a centre included in Article 13:
- Inventory the brochures and information panels, including those for temporary exhibitions.
- Work out which ones need adapting to Easy Read and who will do the writing, layout and validation.
- Prepare an alternative to the written format.
- Review safety and route signage within the space itself.
- Document the sensory conditions of rooms and activities to publish them prior to the visit.
- Review the accessibility of the website, bookings, and communications.
- Train staff who provide information and attend to the public.
- Include these obligations in contracts and specifications for temporary exhibitions when they affect materials commissioned from third parties.