I researched and wrote the Own Art Accessibility Guide to give members the confidence to make their gallery, exhibition space, and marketing activity accessible and inclusive for all.

The guide was intended to help members attract new customers and ensure they were reaching the widest possible audience. It was developed in response to data from the Family Resources Survey 2016-17, Euan’s Guide Access Survey 2017, and We Are Purple 2017 which highlighted:

• Around 13.9 million people (22%) of the overall UK population identify as being disabled.
• 95% of disabled people search for information about accessibility online before visiting a venue for the first time.
• £267 million is lost every month by inaccessible high street shops.

Drawing on research and practical experience, the guide included information on:

• The social model of disability.
• How to produce an accessibility statement.
• How to make gallery spaces and events accessible.
• How to make exhibitions accessible, included recommended hanging and display heights of artwork.
• Accessible marketing and communications, including writing style.
• Web accessibility, including colour contrasts, use of images, and ALT text.
• Working with artists to ensure their needs and access requirements are met.
  

Drawing on the success of the guide for Own Art members, I went on to produce an alternative version for Take it away members.