Access

Image from 'A behind-the-scenes look at our stick insect collection'.

Providing inclusive and appropriate access to collections, exhibitions and resources is a primary goal of a museum. Barriers to access can be more than just physical or sensory. They can also be cultural, social, intellectual, attitudinal and financial.

Some questions you might ask to improve access to your collection:

• How can we address the special needs of children and adults with developmental or learning disabilities, or those with autistic spectrum disorder?
• How can we provide programs to increase access and enjoyment of our collection for all who want this?
• How can visitors with sight or hearing impairment enjoy our collection? What other senses can we engage?
• Is our interpretation and signage enabling access? Are our fonts large enough and easy to read, and at a good height for visitors in wheelchairs?
• Is there room for prams and wheelchairs to circulate in our building?
• Is our interpretation inclusive, embracing different areas of life (within our interpretation and collection policies)?
• How can we use the internet to increase access?
• Is our site physically accessible? Is there anything we can do to improve it?
• How can we reach out to people in the community who might not have access because of mobility issues? Are there robust objects which could be taken out to community spaces, for example to nursing homes?
• Are our staff and volunteers welcoming to all visitors?

Further references and reading:

Museums and Galleries NSW, Online Resources, Introduction to Access