Improvements to physical access

For best practice in access issues, think beyond DDA compliance. Any improvements to physical access will benefit all of your visitors, staff and artists, and will help you to attract a much wider audience.

You may already be aware of some changes that need to be made, but it is a good idea to carry out a simple access audit first. Audit templates for access to buildings can be purchased from organisations such as the Centre for Accessible Environment. Always involve disabled people when carrying out an access audit.

Access to public spaces is important, but you should pay as much attention to the accessibility of backstage, rehearsal space, workshops, offices and meeting rooms.

Probably no venue will be perfectly accessible for everyone. Giving honest, detailed information about access will enable people to make their own decisions about visiting or working there.

Action Points

Planning Stage

Research location, measurements, materials, costs
Consult with disability organisations, voluntary groups and disabled patrons
Refer to publications with examples of best practice
Visit venues with good standards of physical access (ask disabled people what they recommend)
Identify sources of funding
Raise money

Work-in-progress

Inform patrons of planned improvements
Identify organisations & groups of disabled people who might be interested in improved access
Check accessibility of new publicity for target groups

Work completed

Produce publicity outlining new facilities in appropriate formats and design
Inform regular patrons and new contacts
Consider reduced price event / free event to launch facilities

Improvements to physical access

Action Points

Planning Stage

Work-in-progress

Work completed

Further reading