Join the museum access group
Volunteers are wanted to advise on disabled access to exhibitions and activities at the new £7.75 million museum and art gallery in St Albans.
The Museum Access Advisory Group will ensure exhibitions and activities are open to all members of the community including those with specific needs.
Group members will use their knowledge of a range of disabilities to help with key areas such as the presentation of the collections and events.
These disabilities could include mobility, hearing, sight and sensory impairments, learning difficulties and mental health issues.
People with knowledge or experience of these or any other disability are invited to attend a public meeting to find out more about joining the group.
Anyone interested should have constructive opinions about access issues and enjoy exploring creative solutions. They should also have a desire to support and improve the experience of visitors with special accessibility needs.
The meeting will be at the St Albans City and District Council offices, the Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, on Wednesday 15 February from 6.30pm to 8pm.
Following the meeting, those interested can apply to be part of the Group.
Building work to transform the Town Hall into a new Museum and Art Gallery is underway and is due to be finished in spring next year.
The Council is leading the project along with the St Albans Museums and Galleries Trust.
Councillor Annie Brewster, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Sport, Leisure and Heritage, said: “We want our new St Albans museum and art gallery to be enjoyed by everyone so it’s crucial we consider the many ways people engage with museum collections.
“The Museum Access Advisory Group will have a central role to play in meeting that core objective. It will be involved in discussing our plans and will be free to make suggestions about improvements.
“I urge people with an interest in or experience of the issue of accessibility to come along to the public meeting and help inform our new museum. We want everyone to be represented and have a say.”
Anyone interested in attending should register via the museum website where more information is available: https://www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk/get-involved. Anyone unable to attend can register their interest.
Disabled parking spaces are available in the Civic Centre car park near the Council offices: https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-transport
The meeting will be in the Council chamber, which is accessible via lift to the first floor. Carers and support assistants are welcome to attend.
The chamber has a hearing loop and large print information will be available while a BSL interpreter can be provided on request.
Councillor contact:
Councillor Annie Brewster, Portfolio Holder for Sport, Leisure and Heritage, St Albans City and District Council.
Email: cllr.a.brewster@stalbans.gov.uk; Tel: 01438 832255
Contact for the media:
John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City & District Council.
E-mail: john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk ; Tel: 01727 296130