8. Making access sustainable

Environments and practices are not consistently accessible. There are often pockets of good practice where there are passionate individuals or ‘special’ projects funded on a one-off basis so accessibility remains fragmented. This is in spite of ‘top down’ efforts to embed access through legislation, funding requirements, and awareness raising campaigns. Ultimately access does not happen if it is not built into every area of work in a sustainable way. 

In-house information, training and capacity building

British Council’s ‘Time to Act’ also found that “an extensive literature of reports, checklists, and toolkits is already available to guide cultural professionals in providing greater access – but these are not widely circulated”8. So there is a need to showcase resources and share best practice as regularly as possible. Peer learning and communities of practice can help to not only share knowledge but build confidence and connections. 

Have dedicated staff and budgets 

Generally, the organisations that have staff responsible for accessibility, or that have a dedicated budget tend to be more confident than the average respondents that their artistic programmes are accessible to disabled artists. A similar pattern emerged when asking about engagement with disabled audiences. 

Furthermore, evidence shows that organisations that have either specific staff with a mandate for disabled access and/or dedicated budget lines to foster accessibility and inclusion are better placed to make progress. Organisations of any size can begin by allocating a specific percentage of their budget e.g. 5%, to cover access-specific costs. You also do not need a specific staff member who is only in charge of access if this is outside your budget. You can designate this responsibility to an existing staff member, or one per department, or to a cross-departmental working group. Alternatively fostering training and capacity-building of existing staff can also be effective. To make impactful change, there must be dedicated resource that is mobilised.  Budgets, staff, and training must be implemented: action must be taken.  

Integrate accessibility in the design and presentation of exhibitions and events 

Integrating accessibility into the design and presentation of exhibitions and events is vital for creating a genuinely inclusive exhibitions sector. Too often, accessibility is treated as an optional enhancement rather than a foundational element of exhibition-making. By embedding inclusive design from the earliest planning stages e.g. considering physical access, sensory needs, alternative formats, way finding, and digital accessibility, organisations can remove barriers that have long excluded disabled audiences. This approach not only improves the experience for disabled visitors but enriches engagement for everyone, ensuring that exhibitions and events communicate their ideas clearly, equitably, and with respect. 

How could you incorporate disabled leadership in your context? 

How can you make sustainable changes?