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UK's First Cultural Accessibility Standards

A momentous step forward.

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"This is a truly groundbreaking project to support the creative and cultural sector to provide accessible experiences that disabled consumers can trust and enjoy free of disabling barriers."

— Celia Makin-Bell, Managing Director, Attitude is Everything

Dateline: London, UK – 6th October, 2024

In a landmark move for the UK’s creative sector, disability-led charity Attitude is Everything has been appointed by Arts Council England, alongside the Arts Councils of Northern Ireland, Wales, and Creative Scotland, to lead the development of the country’s first accessibility standards for creativity and culture. 

This initiative is part of the All In scheme, which aims to break down barriers for D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals when attending or booking creative and cultural events.

 

Photo © All In

Photo © All In

Attitude is Everything will focus on creating consistent, high-quality accessibility standards for venues like theatres, galleries, museums, and libraries. This builds on the success of their previous Live Events Access Charter, a UK government-endorsed framework, and ensures venues provide welcoming environments for all audiences.

The charity will concentrate its efforts on four key areas: improving physical access to venues, making digital communications more accessible, ensuring welcoming customer service, and incorporating accessibility into the planning of events from the early stages. This comprehensive approach will create a supportive framework for venues to ensure accessibility is at the heart of every decision.

The All In scheme pilots in Autumn 2024, with a national roll-out expected in 2025, building on the success of similar initiatives like Hynt, Wales’ access scheme for theatres and arts centres. With the backing of all four UK Arts Councils, this programme is set to revolutionise accessibility within the sector, ensuring the creative and cultural industries become truly inclusive for all.

 


 

Header Image
Victoria and Albert Museum wheelchair mobility aid, outside the Gamble room  ·  © The Thomas-Ferdinand Gallery

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