Trust Policies

Access Policy

About

This is the museum's formal access policy

1. The museum’s mission

Our object is the education of the public in the history of the canals, and in particular those of London. We aim to become one of the leading regional canal museums of the UK and will inspire enthusiasm for and interest in the waterways and the ice trade.

2. Our definition of access

We recognise access as something which is made possible when physical, cultural, social, financial, intellectual, psychological and emotional barriers to learning from and enjoyment of the museum are removed, reduced, or overcome.

3. Our commitment to accessibility

3.1 Our commitment is long term and 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 continuous incremental improvement as our resources permit.
3.2 Our policy 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 building 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. The needs of the elderly and of people caring for young children are considered as physical access issues.
  • 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 it’s 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.
3.3 The museum’s admission charges are maintained at an affordable level. The museum shop always stocks a range of low cost souvenirs.
3.4 We pay due regard to intergenerational equality. The rights of future generations to enjoy access to our present collection are safeguarded by high standards of collection care and where necessary by restrictions on handling, or exposure to light, moisture or other harmful environmental conditions.
3.5 The museum’s website is fully accessible to disabled people including those who may be using it with the help of special equipment.
3.6 The museum is open to the public six days per week.
3.7 We regularly review our achievements and make plans for further progress.

Other Policies Online

Collection related policies

Equal Opportunities Policy

Health and Safety policy

Child Protection Policy

Information Access Policy

Environment Policy