‘Access’ in museums and galleries can refer to many different areas of provision, from car parking facilities to panel text. When addressing access all aspects of the visitor or staff experience should be taken into account, which goes far beyond the installation of wheelchair ramps. By improving provision for those who are considered ‘disabled’ - for example people with mobility problems, visual impairments or learning difficulties - others can also benefit, such as parents with pushchairs, senior citizens and overseas tourists.
SMC’s National Audit showed that:
These figures indicate that many Scottish museums and galleries have a lot of scope for improvement.
All public services, including museums, must comply with the latest phase of the Disability Discrimination Act legislation by October 2004. Museums will be required to make “reasonable adjustments” to their premises in order to accommodate disabled visitors or potentially face prosecution. To view the legislation, please go to the Disability Rights Commission website at www.drc.org.uk/law/dda.asp.
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