Access Policy Statement

Our definition of access

We interpret access as being available when physical, cultural, social, financial, intellectual, psychological and emotional barriers to learning from and enjoyment of the museum are removed, reduced, or overcome.

Our commitment to accessibility

Our aim is to achieve the optimum level of access to the museum’s collections, and to enable the widest possible spectrum of people from all sections of the community to enjoy independent use of the museum’s public facilities. Our policy is one of commitment and continuous incremental improvement as our resources permit.

Our objective is to build accessibility into everything that we do to develop and improve the museum. We undertake specific projects to eliminate barriers to access which we identify in our buildings and in relation to our exhibitions. 

We consider

• Physical accessibility – the ability of people with physical disabilities to reach and appreciate every part of the museum, and the needs of the elderly and of people caring for young children.
• Sensory accessibility – whether those with impaired vision or hearing can enjoy and appreciate the museum’s building, exhibitions and collection
• Intellectual access – whether people with learning disabilities can engage with and enjoy the museum and its exhibitions.
• Cultural access – the needs of people for whom English is not a first language, or whose background knowledge of English history and culture may be limited.
• Emotional and attitudinal access – whether the museum environment and the museum staff are welcoming to visitors from all sections of the community.

Court Barn currently offers the following: 

• Admission charges maintained at an affordable level with full time students and under 25s given free entry.
• A Friends organisation is available for those who wish to support us and play a more active role socially and in fund raising.
• Front of house staff will assist and welcome all visitors. They are available to help the visitor to understand and enjoy the collections.
• Due regard is paid to intergenerational equality. The rights of future generations to enjoy access to our present collection are safeguarded by high standards of collections care and where necessary by restrictions on handling, or exposure to light, moisture or other harmful environmental conditions.
• A fully accessible website 
• Opening for six days per week.
• Providing for the comfort of our visitors where possible, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, access for pushchairs and seating in galleries. The entrance and exhibition area are fully wheelchair accessible, as is the WC. The archives on the first floor are not wheelchair accessible but arrangements can be made to allow anyone who cannot access the archives to study material in the main gallery.
• The provision of appropriate signage and navigation tools to suit a range of audiences – gallery guides in a number of different languages, induction loop.
• The identification and development of partnerships with a range of educational and community organisations to ensure that our activities continue to cater for the widest possible audience.
• Staff trained in basic, early stage dementia 

Reviewed April 2021