4. Your role in making exhibitions more accessible

Access is not solely the responsibility of learning and/or engagement teams, visitor services, or curators—it is sector-wide work. Everyone involved in exhibitions, from leadership to architects, contractors, designers, artists, and technicians, needs to understand how their role shapes access. For real change to take root, organisations must invest in training, shared learning, and cultural shifts across all levels of staff. Similarly, where there is recognition that something is not right, staff in front line roles must be empowered and enabled to challenge those in power in order to enact access measures.

The sector is rich in toolkits, guidelines, and best-practice documents, but they are not always known about or acted on. The key is not to apply everything mechanically, but to interpret guidance through the lens of your own context: your building, audience, collection, and community. Tailoring approaches ensures that accessibility becomes meaningful and achievable.

When disabled people are excluded from planning and decision-making, access measures can become guesswork and often miss the mark. Involving disabled consultants, artists, staff, and community members allows organisations to make informed choices, anticipate challenges, and avoid reinforcing outdated assumptions. It also fosters a sense of shared ownership and accountability.

Learning about access is only useful if it leads to action. Many organisations invest time in training, research, or consultation but fail to implement changes due to time pressures, competing priorities, or fear of getting things wrong. Prioritising action – even small, incremental steps – builds momentum and demonstrates commitment. Importantly, this action must be informed by ongoing engagement and evaluation, allowing organisations to adapt based on real experience rather than static plans.

How could assumptions about a “typical” visitor experience be reconsidered through engagement with disabled people?