The National Gallery of Ireland

O’Herlihy Access Consultancy (OHAC) collaborated with the National Gallery of Ireland to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for all visitors. This comprehensive project involved the creation of a Universal Access Policy and a detailed three-year action plan that addressed several critical areas of the Gallery’s operations including Pre-Visitor Information; Disability Awareness Training; Awareness-raising raising sessions; Strategic accessibility advice; Access auditing; Ongoing support and advice to Access Officer’s and Access Team.  Sensory and Universal Design considerations.

Services Delivered

1. 1. Universal Access Policy and Action Plan Development: Actions to be implemented to achieve… sat down with the different department…….

      • Commitment Establishing a foundational commitment to accessibility and inclusivity within the Gallery.
      • Procurement Integrating accessibility requirements into procurement processes to ensure that all goods and services purchased are accessible.
      • Events Ensuring that all events hosted by the Gallery are accessible to everyone.
      • Visitor Experience Enhancing the overall visitor experience by making it more inclusive and accommodating.
      • Built Environment Assessing and improving the physical accessibility of the Gallery’s infrastructure.
      • Information Provision Ensuring that all information provided by the Gallery is accessible to all visitors.

   2. Pre-Visitor Information Guidelines

      • Developed comprehensive guidelines for the Gallery’s website to ensure that visitors can access necessary information prior to their visit, improving their overall experience.

   3. Disability Awareness Training

      • Conducted extensive training sessions for staff and volunteers to raise awareness about disabilities and promote a culture of inclusivity within the Gallery.

   4. Awareness Raising Sessions

      • Organized sessions for key departments to foster a deeper understanding of accessibility issues and the importance of universal design.

   5. Strategic Accessibility Advice

      • Provided expert advice on strategic accessibility planning, ensuring that the Gallery’s long-term goals align with best practices in accessibility and universal design.

   6. Access Auditing and Guidance

      • Conducted thorough access audits of the existing Millennium Wing, identifying areas for improvement and providing actionable guidance to enhance accessibility.

   7. Ongoing Support and Advice

      • Continued to support the Gallery with expert advice on accessibility and universal design, helping to integrate these principles into induction and procurement practices.

The collaboration between OHAC and the National Gallery of Ireland has resulted in a robust Universal Access Policy and a strategic action plan that will guide the Gallery in its commitment to accessibility over the next three years. This initiative ensures that the National Gallery of Ireland remains a welcoming and inclusive space for all visitors, regardless of their abilities.

By setting new standards for accessibility and raising awareness among staff and volunteers, OHAC has helped the National Gallery of Ireland take significant steps towards becoming a leader in inclusive cultural experiences.