Visiting places of interest for people with disabilities
Museums, galleries, exhibitions and other places of interest are improving accessibility all the time. This includes the way that exhibits and buildings are presented.
Improving accessibility
Most places of interest have websites, which detail a building's accessibility and any special equipment available. You can also find out about tours, lectures and workshops for people of all ages and abilities.
Over recent years, changes to procedures, practices and physical access to buildings have been made. Also, new ways of making information accessible for people with disabilities are constantly evolving. Venues are also starting to include the needs of users with dyslexia in their planning and the way they display and promote their collections.
Blind or visually impaired visitors
Types of accessories and aids that places may offer include large print leaflets, magnifying glasses and audio guides.
Many places - especially larger museums and galleries - often give tours for blind or visually impaired visitors. You may be able to arrange a 'one-to-one' tour or go as part of a group. Normally they need several day's notice.
A big part of these tours is the opportunity to touch exhibits. Some larger venues may focus on one particular work of art or exhibit and involve a group discussion with other visitors.
It's fairly common to have access to audio guides - normally a portable CD player. Some guides are tailored specifically for blind or visually impaired visitors. As well as information about exhibits, they may also explain the layout of the building to help you find your way around.
Tactile pictures and diagrams
There is increasing interest in the production of tactile pictures and diagrams for interpretation. Tactile pictures can be extremely useful aids to understand an object - whether 2D or 3D. A tactile picture can give an overall impression of the shape and contours of an object or the composition of a painting.
The Dog Rose Trust works with museums and galleries to explore the use of tactile exhibits and plans. The website has a list of sensory and audio pieces of art and notable buildings.
Deaf or hearing impaired visitors
Many larger museums and galleries have joined BT's Typetalk service so that all members of staff can communicate by phone with you if you cannot use a voice telephone.
Otherwise information can be sourced via email, brochures or websites. Booking tickets via email may also be possible. They should have a section that details what facilities are available for deaf or hearing impaired visitors, for example, induction loops.
Lectures, talks and events
You can check to find out if guided tours incorporate portable induction loop or sound enhancement systems. Also, ask if events are in British Sign Language (BSL) or interpreted into BSL.
It's unlikely that most museums or galleries are able to support every event with a sign language interpreter. You may instead be offered either a selection of talks which will be sign language interpreted. Or, you may be asked to give the place notice if you plan to attend so that an interpreter may be arranged. Some events may include pre-prepared notes on the planned talk.
Subtitles or captions
Subtitles or captions may be used when audio-visual equipment is used. Some lectures or talks may be supported by a palantypist. This is someone who types every word that is spoken which then appears on a computer screen. Or, a summary of what is being said may be available instead.
Visitors with a learning disability
As some people with severe learning disabilities have additional sensory, communication and mobility impairments, other information in this section may be useful.
Most larger museums, galleries and buildings now have visual and tactile signs, as well as easily understood symbols. Routes should be clearly marked and there should be easy identification of what each room in the building is for - with clear ways in and out.
Tours and guides
Many venues often give tours for people who have a learning disability. This may include a short introductory talk about the museum or gallery in plain English. This may be delivered via an audio guide.
An audio guide is normally a portable CD or audiotape player. It can also help people with dyslexia or those who are not confident readers. People whose first language is not English may also find audio guides helpful.
You may be able to arrange a 'one-to-one' tour or go as part of a group. Normally the facilities need several days' notice. Also, some locations run interactive workshops.
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