Disability Directory for Museums and Galleries (UK)

The Disability Directory is intended as guidance for all museums and galleries in improving their services to disabled people.

With the wider implementation of the UK Disability Discrimination Act (1995) a legal duty is added to the obligation that in any case exists for all museums and galleries to have appropriate policies and plans in place to ensure access to their collections and services for all.

The Directory outlines the principles that should underpin best practice, emphasising the need for consultation with existing and potential users, the promotion of inclusive thinking across all of the museum’s or gallery’s activities and the effective use of ICT to improve access.

It also provides practical advice and contacts for museums and galleries to use when reviewing and developing their policies and delivering services to disabled people.

The Directory is divided into three sections, Principles, Practice and Bibliography/Sources of information.

The first section outlines the principles that should underpin practice for museums and galleries; it also includes statistics, advice on terminology and legislation.

The second section provides practical guidance and examples of good practice for developing access for disabled people.

The third section includes a bibliography and sources of up-to-date advice.

Further information about Diversity and Disability policies for museums is available at the website of the UK Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA). Follow the links below:
MLA Policies on Diversity
MLA Policy on People with Disabilities (includes the Disability Portfolio Guides and a checklist).