RAG Access Policy and Action Plan

RYE ART GALLERY - ACCESS POLICY
(Following Access Audit in April 2009)

INTRODUCTION

RAG aims to create visual art environments that inspire confidence, enjoyment,understanding and a desire for visitors to return, by providing a range of experiences for a wide cross section of people regardless of age, background or ability. The Access Policy promotes inclusion of all visitors and potential visitors through a wide range of means, as resources allow. As part of the ongong gallery development, all aspects of access is being audited with a view to identifying improvements.

WHAT IS ACCESS?

Visitors should be able to access the Gallery, feel welcomed by staff and Volunteers, and find the environment appropriate to their needs. Access is a core function of RAG’s operations, to ensure that audiences’ needs are continually met. It covers a diverse range of needs and can be broken down into the broad categories of race, disability, gender, age, religion/belief, and sexual orientation. RAG believes that all citizens, employees and partners should have equal access to services and opportunities in every aspect of their lives. Areas of access covered in this policy include:

Physical access: we aim to maintain buildings and facilities that are as physically accessible as possible.

Intellectual access: we aim to provide information in a range of formats appropriate to the needs of a wide range of visitors.

Financial access: we aim to provide entry free of charge to ensure that as many people as possible are able to access the exhibitions. Where charges are made for certain events or activities these will be kept as low as possible.

Emotional access: we aim to provide a good standard of visitor care to ensure that all are welcomed and made to feel comfortable.

VISITOR CARE

Volunteers and staff will assist and welcome visitors according to their need. Space presently precludes baby changing facilities, access and parking for pushchairs, but arrangements can be made on request. Our development plans will consider such facilities. RAG provides signage and navigation to suit a range of needs, and will respond to requests made by the public regarding information required in alternative formats, as resources become available. Staff and Volunteers will be briefed on areas of awareness and legislation appropriate to their roles and needs.

DOGS

The Trustees allow only those guide dogs accompanying visually impaired people into the gallery.

ACCESSING RAG

The public areas of our buildings will be available to all residents and visitors, wherever possible, and comply with the Disability Discrimination Act as resources allow. The Trustees are working to make constant improvements. Opening times are displayed at entry doors and on the website.

EDUCATION

Education is a key element of the Trust. Events and activities are programmed throughout the year for a wide range of people and abilities.

COMMUNICATION

RAG aims to keep the public informed of its collections, temporary displays and events through publicity and its website: www.ryeartgallery.co.uk

RAG ACCESS AUDIT – 2009: ACTION PLAN

RAG Access Audit Report DRAFT dated 2 Apr 09
By Sonia Rasbery:

“The Gallery already has an access policy (RAG Website) and it is suggested that a structured access plan is appended to that policy which identifies a reasonable course of action and timeframe for compliance”

Number and Priority Action and Responsibility

R1 1 Easton Sales Area: Access aspects being built into integration plan within Project timelines
R2 2 Lift: evacuation chair within project timelines
R3 1 Nosings on Stairs: Contrasting nosings to be developed as part of project timelines
R4 1 Short stair in Easton Rooms: no clear recommendation; to be reviewed within project timelines
R5 1 Easton-Stormont Link: alternative access is to be explored and incorporated within project timelines
R6 1 RAG Accessibility: publish restricted/limited access warnings by mid 2009
R7 1 RAG Circulation Routes: to be incorporated within project timelines
R8 1 RAG Light Review: all areas for glare and low light within project timelines
R9 1 RAG Lighting: to be adjustable throughout; partially complete. Remainder within project timelines. Dimmers and blinds partially fitted
R10 1 RAG Seating: review throughout: now complete. Seating in place throughout galleries
R11 1 RAG Orientation and Navigational signage: all signage to be reviewed within project timelines.
R12 1 RAG Signs Readability Guidelines: will be reviewed as part of project plan. Partially complete
R13 2 RAG External Signs to be consistent with internal, within project timelines. Signage review in hand
R14 2 RAG Signs – House Style to be adopted. within project timelines, subject to cost
R15 2 RAG Alternative Access Information within project timelines
R16 1 RAG Location Map – needed throughout. In hand; Complete by end 2009.
R17 1 RAG Assistance Available Signs: To be fitted at all entrances
R18 2 RAG Exhibition Space : Hearing Loop will be incorporated subject to cost
R19 2 RAG – Case layouts AK and SM By end 2010. Viewing band 1700 to 1000. New counters 700.
R20 2 RAG Cases: accessibility to wheelchair users by end 2010 subject to cost
R21 2 RAG Display Case visibility by end 2010 subject to cost
R22 2 RAG – Artwork Hanging Heights under review. Viewing band of 1700 to 1000
R23 1 RAG Lighting: External lighting to be reviewed and fitted within project timelines. Partially complete.
R24 1 RAG Labels : larger fonts required. From now, fonts: from Bold 22 to 14 according to layout
R25 1 RAG labels : near to artworks. From now consistent placing bottom left.
R26 2 RAG Alternative Formats for interpretation by end 2009. Braille? Audio? Large print?
R27 2 RAG access information by end 2009
R28 2 RAG – Top Ten “Must sees” by end 2009 on website.
R29 2 RAG – access in different ways on Website and other ways
R30 2 RAG – Guide for Interactive Displays by mid 2010 subject to cost. DDA Portfolio Guide 6
R31 2 RAG – Brochure/PV Leaflet Formats which are RNIB approved from mid 2009, new formats will be adopted.Font 14 minimum
R32 2 RAG – Large Print Formats by end 2010
R33 2 RAG – Consistent House Style to be adopted from now.
R34 1 RAG - Access to Website: improvements to be costed and planned by end 2009
R35 1 RAG – Website to be verified for access using WAI tools, subject to costing and planning by end 2009
R36 3 RAG/FRAG – alternative interpretation for talks? This will be considered subject to demand.
R37 3 RAG – any new outreach programme should be developed with potential users. All outreach programmes are developed with potential users.
R38 1 RAG – DDA briefing and development briefings under way with all staff, volunteers and project team.
R39 1 RAG – briefing about access requirements under way. Staff and Volunteers are subject to the RAG access policy.
R40 1 RAG – DDA Access awareness training/briefing? This will be further developed as the project continues.
R41 1 RAG – Access Policy to be developed: sensory and attitude by end 2009
R42 1 RAG – Access Plan to be added to access policy (this plan) by mid 2009.
R43 1 RAG – Emergency egress plan by mid 2009.
R44 1 RAG – staff and volunteer briefing about egress access plan ongoing. FRAG is also involved.