Accessibility of the built environment
Is our building physically accessible?
It is pleasant and easy to move around in an accessible environment - even if you happen to use a walking stick, wheelchair or white cane. Physical access means accessible parking spots, level passageways, large enough elevators and toilets, auxiliary aids and comfortable rest places. Works of art and other objects, as well as texts, are placed so they can be looked at from different heights. There are places for wheelchairs in halls with audience seating, and chairs are available in exhibition halls. Emergency plans take account of wheelchair users and others.
Small changes that make a big difference
- Make minor improvements without delay: remove thresholds; add seats, handrails and mini ramps, lower coat racks where necessary.
- Provide auxiliary aids, e.g. wheelchairs and children's carriages, for loan.
Major renovations
- Whenever possible include the necessary improvements in long-term plans: add lifts, automatic doors, ramps.
- Historically valuable premises can also be made accessible.
Alternatives where there is no access
- You can still do your best to serve your customers well even if you cannot provide access to the entire site: you can still make people feel welcome and comfortable.
- Work out how to provide information about what is not physically accessible.
