Museum Development Midlands (MDM) is delighted to welcome applications for our Open to All: Accessibility Audit programme, which aims to support museums to develop effective Access Plans.
As a result of participating in the programme museums will better understand potential barriers and make informed plans to improve physical, sensory and cognitive accessibility to their buildings and spaces.
This programme is fully funded through Arts Council England and is free to access for eligible museums in the Midlands.
This programme consists of two elements:
1) Accessibility Audits
A pre-arranged Accessibility Audit visit to your site conducted by Direct Access
during summer 2026 followed up with an Accessibility Audit Report. Each report will include photographs, observations and clear actionable recommendations prioritised by urgency and feasibility. Assessments will be aligned with best practice and relevant statutory and sector specific guidance.
2) Training
Direct Access will deliver an online training event on Tuesday 13 October. The session will be delivered by consultants with professional and lived experience.
The objective of the training event is to empower museum delegates with the knowledge and skills required to effectively utilise and respond to the findings of their accessibility audits. The session will include practical tools, inclusive communication strategies and museum-specific examples.
Participation in the Open to All programme directly supports Arts Council England’s (ACE) Accreditation Standard 2018, Users and their experiences, 7. Be accessible to the public.
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