Organisational Support

We run several schemes that aim to improve accessibility in the arts and culture sector for a wide variety of d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people. These schemes are based in consultation with disabled people.

Arts and Disability Access Awards

This is a scheme to train people who work in the arts and culture sector in a wide range of accessibility–related topics. It is for organisations that want to improve their accessibility for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people. We cover topics including:

  • Reasonable adjustments
  • Physical access
  • Accessible information and social media
  • Disability, language, and intersectionality
  • d/Deaf Awareness and sign language
  • Blind awareness
  • Neurodivergence awareness

The programme is overseen by Access and Inclusion Manager, Dr Jonathan Mitchell, and is supported by regional advisors. All our advisors are d/Deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent.

Participating organisations are paired with a trained advisor, who supports them through a process in which they reflect on existing programming, procedures, and practices. They develop a tailored improvement plan that leads towards accreditation with an Arts and Disability Access Award.

This programme is made possible thanks to generous support from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

Inclusion Mark Scheme

We also run an Inclusion Mark scheme, that supports and advise organisations towards improved accessibility and accreditation for a one-off event. The  is a standard of excellence for venues. The Inclusion Mark is a standard of excellence for one-off events. This standard also take a full-spectrum and full-journey approach to accessibility, but tailored to the criteria of single or limited-run events.

This programme is made possible thanks to generous support from Belfast City Council and Belfast 2024.

Social Narrative Videos

We also produce Accessibility Guide videos for arts organisations. These show visitors what to expect when you come to a venue. They demonstrate how to buy a ticket, and how to get into and around the venue. They give viewers a tour of the venue and focus in particular on aspects that are relevant for d/Deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent visitors. These videos are accompanied by voice over, closed captions, and British and Irish Sign language interpretation.

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