OPGYW GALLERY ACCESS STATEMENT

Plas Glyn-y-Weddw has full access for those with disabilities.

Parking for disabled drivers is located at the back of the building, giving flat, easy access for wheelchair users through the back door. There are easily accessible, fully equipped disabled toilets and a lift to the upper galleries.

OPGYW is committed to access for all. It promises:

1. To comply with Disability Discrimination Act not only in law, but in spirit.
2. To strive to be an example of best practice.
3. To continue annually to make access improvements and record these improvements.
4. To actively strive to seek funding, sponsorship and grant aid for continued improvements
5. To actively implement a programme of disability awareness training for staff and volunteers
6. To treat access issues as central to our function and not in isolation. Access should become an integral part of our core policies i.e. Service Forward Plan, Learning Policy, Exhibition Policy etc.
7. To list facilities on our website: www.oriel.org.uk
8. To ensure that access includes both intellectual and physical access and that our policies are social inclusive.

Oriel Plas Glyn-Y-Weddw’ Disability Policy

1. INTRODUCTION

Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw acknowledges the implication of the Disability Discrimination Act. As a result this Policy and Action Plan has been formulated and corporate training provided. While formulating the Policy the advice of relevant organisations in the field of disability has been taken into consideration as well as museums and galleries guidelines.

2. DEFINITION

Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw endorses the following definitions of the term disabled people:-

"Society disables people by putting barriers in their way. These range from physical, sensory and communication barriers to those of attitude" [Social definition].

"Mental or physical impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his/her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities" [Medical definition].

Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw sees this Act as an opportunity to develop one of its main aims which is to improve physical, sensory and intellectual access to the gallery where this is possible and to strive towards ensuring a quality gallery provision accessible to all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, social status, ethnic origin or ability. Being more accessible and welcoming will create a more positive experience for everyone.

3. THE DISABILITY POLICY

Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw endorses the following:-

3.1 To appoint a designated senior member of staff with responsibility for work in this area namely the Director of the Gallery.

3.2 To comply with the gallery’s policy of Equal Opportunity for disabled staff and volunteers in recognition of their right to participate fully in the work of the Gallery.

3.3 To aim towards equal opportunities for disabled visitors and users in recognition of their right to participate fully in the work of the gallery.

3.4 To ensure that staff and volunteers are aware of the policy and understand their responsibilities for its implementation.

3.5 Complaints on disability matters will follow the Gallery’s usual complaints procedure but with consultation with the designated member of staff.

3.6 The Disability Policy will be available to anyone on request in the relevant format and on the Gallery’s website.

3.7 Any policies and developments by the Gallery will take into consideration the Disability Policy and consultation will take place with disabled people and organisations

3.8 To strive towards reflecting the diversity of the local community in collections, displays, exhibitions and to take into consideration the work of disabled people and reflect their role in society.

3.9 To ensure that the Gallery keeps up to date with legislation, guidelines and terminology.

3.10 To comply with building legislation (including adaptations to buildings) regarding the requirements of disabled people.

4. ACTION PLAN

4.1 The aim will be to improve intellectual, physical and sensory access to the collection and facilities for members of the public and staff with a disability, where possible. This will be carried out through an inclusive rather than special needs service unless disabled people prefer it.

4.2 Training and Awareness: To ensure staff awareness of the policy and training in order to carry out the policy through in-house and other courses.

4.3 Presenting Information: To ensure that publicity material and other disseminated material take into account the needs of people with disabilities e.g. appropriate text size, use of colours and to aim to improve publicity material by including information to help people with different types of disabilities with a contact number for specific enquiries. Symbols can be used where space is limited to indicate how full information can be obtained.

4.4 To ensure that exhibitions, events etc. take into consideration the work of disabled people and reflect their role in society. This is to be incorporated into planning of exhibitions, events etc.