Tomorrow is Disabled Access Day, the biannual event in the United Kingdom that celebrates accessibility. The day highlights the fantastic access that already exists in places, including experiences such as audio-described sessions, sensory experiences, signed events, level access and at the very heart of it all, a warm welcome!

Disabled Access Day is powered by Euan’s Guide, the disabled access review website that makes it easier for disabled people and their friends and families to find new places to go, through sharing their stories of the places they have visited. The focus of Disabled Access Day is to try something new and leave a review on Euan’s Guide, so that other disabled people can read it and gain the confidence to try something similar.

At The Lightbox, we pride ourselves on our level access, accessible toilets reachable by lift on every floor, Induction Loops, magnifying glasses and tactile resources available on request. We also have two wheelchairs available to use and disabled parking which can be booked in advance. We regularly run audio-described tours, and our events and workshops are designed to be adaptable and welcoming for all of our visitors.

In honour of Disabled Access Day, we have been working on a very special guide to help visitors on the autism spectrum – as well as their families, friends or carers – prepare and plan for their visit to The Lightbox in order to help them feel comfortable and confident on arrival.

The guide includes materials to help visualise the building, spaces and people so visitors know what to expect and feel prepared before they arrive. The sensory maps will help visitors plan which areas of the building to visit, and highlight which areas they might wish to avoid according to their personal requirements and preferences in relation to noise, smell or temperature.

Download the PDF version of the guide here.

If you would like to receive the guide in an alternative document type e.g. Microsoft Word, please email [email protected] with your preferred format.

At The Lightbox, we have always believed that art has the power to make you feel good. We strive to ensure that this philosophy is at the heart of everything we do, from messy play for under 5s to creative learning for adults, including those living with dementia, people affected by mental illness and those isolated due to social circumstance. Accessibility is so important because art is for everyone and everybody should be able to enjoy all that it offers.

We are always seeking to adapt and improve our resources, so if you have any suggestions relating to accessibility, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01483 737800 or by emailing [email protected]. Such initiatives are only possible thanks to the generous donations of our supporters.

Find out more about how you can support us.