Improving Access

Many disabled people cannot participate in the arts as audience or as practitioners unless certain basic access requirements are met. It is important to attend to issues such as communication, interpretation, staffing, planning and programming as well as ensuring good physical access. In Northern Ireland, the Arts Council has funded a study into the barriers to disabled people’s inclusion in the arts.

The fabric of a building is not the only element to be considered in improving access for disabled people.  For example, it can be easy to provide a designated car parking space or large print information.  Consultation with local disability groups can reveal a wealth of information to help arts organisations provide services that are more inclusive. Ask people what format of information would suit their access requirements.

Having made access improvements it is important to tell people about the facilities you have available, for example using appropriate symbols in your publicity. Information on marketing to disabled people for arts organisations is included on the Arts Council of England’s website www.artscouncil.org.uk.