Access Policy 2012
Name of museum: The De Morgan Centre
Governing body: The De Morgan Foundation
Registered Charity No. 310004
Date approved by governing body: XX/XX/2012
Date at which policy due for review: 2016
CONTENTS
1.0
Introduction
page 3
2.0
Types of access
page 3
3.0
The Building
page 3
4.0
Front of house / visitor care
page 4
5.0
Collections Interpretation & Management
page 4
6.0
Education
page 4
7.0
Publicity and Marketing
page 5
6.0
Contact Details
page 5
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1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
The De Morgan Centre aims to welcome all members of society into the Museum, regardless of
sex, age, social status, ethnic origin, ability or income.
1.2
This Access Policy sets out our criteria for providing access to the Museum’s collections. It aims to
promote understanding and enjoyment of the collections through a wide range of means, as resources
allow.
1.3
The Policy will be reviewed periodically and no later than 5 years after adoption
2
TYPES OF ACCESS
Areas of access covered by this policy are:
2.1
Physical
Physical access refers to the building, its construction and facilities, and the ability of people with
physical disabilities to reach and appreciate every part of the museum. The needs of the elderly and of
people caring for young children are considered as physical access issues.
2.2
Sensory
Sensory access encompasses means of interpretation which may be required by those with
limited sight or hearing.
2.3
Cultural
Cultural access takes into account the diversity of visitors and employees backgrounds within
the limitations of the existing collections.
2.4
Intellectual
Intellectual access refers to the provision of information for visitors with a range of learning styles
and abilities.
2.5
Emotional and attitudinal access
Emotional and attitudinal access refers to the museum environment and the museum staff being
welcoming to visitors from all sections of the community.
2.6
Financial Access
Financial access includes the provision of activities, events, publications and commercial facilities
to suit a range of incomes.
3
THE BUILDING
3.1
The public areas and facilities of the De Morgan Centre are and should remain accessible to
visitors with mobility impairments.
3.1.2
The building is and should remain navigable by visitors with visual impairments.
3
4
FRONT OF HOUSE/VISITOR CARE
4.1
Front of house staff will welcome and assist all visitors according to their needs.
4.2
The comfort and ease of visitors is of primary importance and facilities provided include
appropriate toilets and nappy changing facilities, access for push chairs and wheel chairs and
seating in the gallery.
4.3
The De Morgan Foundation aims to provide adequate signage and/or navigatory tools to suit a
range of visitor needs (e.g. in different sensory formats and languages), as resources become
available.
4.4
We aim to provide commercial facilities appropriate to a range of ages and pockets, as
resources allow.
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COLLECTIONS INTERPRETATION & MANAGEMENT
The De Morgan Foundation aims to:
5.1
provide varied means of access to its collections, within its financial means, including visual
displays, publications and ICT/documentation projects.
5.2
provide interpretive information in formats appropriate for visitors with limited sight or hearing
as resources allow, for example through ICT, large print labels and information sheets and
magnifiers.
5.3
provide levels of information to suit a range of audiences and abilities, as resources allow.
5.4
provide publications to suit different levels of inquiry and financial means.
5.5
ensure that the presentation and labelling of displays is easily accessible to a diversity of
backgrounds.
5.6
ensure electronic access via the Museum’s website is regularly revised and updated.
6
EDUCATION
The De Morgan Foundation aims to:
6.1
provide educational materials for different audiences and levels of ability, as resources allow.
6.2
provide education programmes to interpret the collections for people from a range of
backgrounds and abilities.
6.3
make educational events as accessible as possible to people with a wide range of abilities and needs.
6.4
provide educational programmes and visits tailored to specific groups and audiences from time
to time.
4
7
PUBLICITY / MARKETING
The De Morgan Foundation aims to:
7.1
keep the general public, including a wide range of audience groups, informed of permanent and
temporary displays & events through appropriate publicity.
7.2
provide publicity material on request in alternative formats for a range of needs, as resources
allow.
8
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
The De Morgan Foundation aims to:
8.1
implement a policy to provide full access training to all staff and volunteers
8.2
consider the possibility of installing a hearing loop system
8.3
make available guides and captions in braille
9
CONTACT DETAILS
9.1
Any queries in relation to the Access Policy may be directed to:
Chairman
Board of Trustees
The De Morgan Centre
38 West Hill
London
SW18 1RZ
T. 020 8871 1144
F. 020 8875 9357
E. info@demorgan.org.uk
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