Poll: Are museums failing to cater for disabled visitors?
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Many museums don’t provide adequate access information on their websites, especially for blind or partially sighted users, according to a report released by VocalEyes.
This not only impacts museums’ visitor levels, revenue and reputation but also indicates that they could be in breach of the Equality Act 2010, which requires organisations to make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people can access their buildings and services.
The State of Museum Access Report 2016 also found that 27% of UK museums provide no access information on their website for disabled people planning a visit and just 18% publicise labels or information for their exhibits in large print.
Museums are even less likely to publicise audio tours and handling with only 10% of those surveyed doing so. Meanwhile only 5% use websites that provide disabled access audits such as DisabledGo.com and Euans’ Guide.
"It's very disappointing to see the low priority given to disabled customers. We should be able to enjoy the richness of art and heritage, alongside other citizens," said Fazilet Hadi, director of engagement at Royal National Institute of the Blind and VocalEyes trustee.
"Galleries, museums and heritage sites should be building accessibility into their everyday customer service. Adjustments made for disabled people will benefit everyone,” says Hadi.
This not only impacts museums’ visitor levels, revenue and reputation but also indicates that they could be in breach of the Equality Act 2010, which requires organisations to make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people can access their buildings and services.
The State of Museum Access Report 2016 also found that 27% of UK museums provide no access information on their website for disabled people planning a visit and just 18% publicise labels or information for their exhibits in large print.
Museums are even less likely to publicise audio tours and handling with only 10% of those surveyed doing so. Meanwhile only 5% use websites that provide disabled access audits such as DisabledGo.com and Euans’ Guide.
"It's very disappointing to see the low priority given to disabled customers. We should be able to enjoy the richness of art and heritage, alongside other citizens," said Fazilet Hadi, director of engagement at Royal National Institute of the Blind and VocalEyes trustee.
"Galleries, museums and heritage sites should be building accessibility into their everyday customer service. Adjustments made for disabled people will benefit everyone,” says Hadi.
Are museums failing to cater for disabled visitors?
— Museums Association (@MuseumsAssoc) December 14, 2016