Open to All: Accessibility Audit Programme

About the programme:

The Open to All: Accessibility Audit programme 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 intellectual access to their buildings and spaces.

This programme consists of two elements:

1) Accessibility Audits

Pre-arranged Accessibility Audit visit to your site conducted by Direct Access between mid-August and October 2025

Each Access Audit 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 a short online training session on Wednesday 3 December 2025. 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.

The programme supports ACE’s Let’s Create Inclusivity and Relevance Investment Principle.