An accessible space provides services and facilities that are welcoming and easy for everyone to use. This involves understanding and respecting the diverse array of human abilities and experiences in order to dismantle barriers - be they physical, digital, sensory, cognitive, financial, or attitudinal - and welcoming visitors on their own terms.
Objectives
Our spaces, activities and exhibitions are open to all and everyone should feel welcome.
We think about accessibility broadly, considering the needs of visitors, staff and volunteers throughout their encounters with us.
We have an open dialogue with communities and individuals who may encounter accessibility barriers in our organisation.
Direct Actions in Access
ACCESS: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Indicators in your organisation
CHECK THE BOXES THAT APPLY TO YOUR CURRENT PRACTICES
Communicate Your Inclusive Offer
LOT'S TO DO!
What Is in Your Programme?
LOT'S TO DO!
Physical Spaces
LOT'S TO DO!
PDFDOWNLOAD THE PLAIN VERSION OF THE ABOVE INDICATORS
Access RESOURCES
ENStep 1: Getting Started
Universal Design Guidelines, NISE
NISE Network Exhibits
This document lays out some basic concepts and guidelines to begin a discussion about the best way to achieve the universal design of exhibits.
Visit an event or space which is designed for a community with specific accessibility requirements. Look at the adjustments in place and think about how these requirements are met (or not) in your organisation. What can you start to change?
Check out the book The Art of Relevance by Nina Simon. This book will give you food for thought about how to open your doors to new audiences. Encourage colleagues to read it too and share your thoughts.
Hold listening sessions with groups and communities who do and don’t attend your activities. Identify what does and doesn’t work for them. Consider inviting an external facilitator for these sessions and sharing the findings with your board.
Create or update an accessibility page on your website. While your institution may not be as accessible as it could be for some, describing adaptations on your website reflects your efforts and intentions and can mean a lot in terms of emotional accessibility and feeling seen.
Include key people (e.g. gatekeepers or advocates) from communities with access requirements in an advisory group. Schedule quarterly meetings with them and consult them during the creation process of new programmes and exhibits. Take actions from their input and make sure there is someone senior from your own organisation at these meetings.