Playing our part in making the city more inclusive – Thackray Museum of Medicine
May 2021 saw the Thackray Museum of Medicine reopen after the COVID19 pandemic and also a £4.1 million redevelopment courtesy of the National Heritage Lottery Fund.
Being housed in a beautiful building built in 1861 poses challenges, but a vital part of our redevelopment was to ensure our galleries were as inclusive as possible…
A panel
We set up an access panel comprising of 10 participants made up of volunteers, community members and access consultants. Many on the panel had lived experience of different abilities, so brought their unique understanding and experiences to the forefront. The panel discussed and interrogated the very fabric of the building. Things like wayfinding, when handrails should end, and which text would be most appropriate for our visitors were discussed.
Reduce sensory stimulation
One important topic raised was having the choice to avoid potentially sensory overwhelming spaces, like Disease street – our immersive Victorian Street. Instead, spy holes at different height levels from a neighbouring gallery, ensure that if people want to see the space they can, but don’t have to smell the dung!
A Changing Places toilet was also installed and 2 gender neutral accessible toilets are available. All fully lift accessible.
Knowledge is power
The saying goes ‘knowledge is power’, something we understand is important for inclusivity.
A sensory map signals smells, sounds, differing light levels etc. around the museum. Making this information available on our website, as well as an accessibility guide available for download, allows visitors to come to us reassured and prepared to ensure they can enjoy their visit as much as possible.
Our newest temporary exhibition ‘You Choose’ really leans into the idea of choice. We provided simple but helpful things like magnifying glasses, ear defenders and large text for visitors to help themselves.
Our ‘Dressing Disability’ exhibition showcases representation of individuals who class themselves as living with a disability. We installed an audio guide, to go alongside written information and subtitled video.
The recent opening of our ‘Disease Den’ (a lot less dangerous than it sounds) ensures there’s a quiet and comfortable chill out space away from the hubbub of the main galleries for everyone. There is no age limit. You might like to read a book or lounge on a comfy giant germ.
The Museum’s gallery bags offer a different way of engaging with museum with minimal text and different resources to encourage engagement on families’ own terms. You don’t have to ask, just grab one and off you go.
Relaxed Sundays, the last Sunday of the month from 10-11am, sees dark spaces illuminated and sounds turned down wherever possible.
Our school’s program welcomes SEND schools and adaptation of any workshop to the school’s unique requirements. Many of our volunteers bring their specific experiences of different abilities, to advise and support our inclusive offer.
We’re proud to have been awarded a Scope Inclusive Activity Award but accessibility is not static. We continue our learning and strive to expand our inclusive offer, so Thackray is a safe, fun, space for everyone.
