Open to All: Accessibility Audit Programme Sharing Event
The Open to All: Accessibility Audit programme will be open for applications to the 2022 cohort in March.
This Sharing Event will be an opportunity to hear about the experiences of five museums who took part in the West Midlands Museum Development 2021 programme. It will be a chance for museums considering a 2022 application to ask questions and find out more about the programme.
The webinar will be live captioned through StageText and MyClearText.
About the Open to All: Accessibility Audit Programme
Each museum venue will receive an accessibility audit and report undertaken by Direct Access, identifying a comprehensive list of tailored, prioritised recommendations based on current standards and legislation, alongside access to expert training and advice.
Participation in the Open to All: Accessibility Audit programme directly supports Arts Council England’s Accreditation Standard, Users and their experiences, 7. Be accessible to the public.
Priority for places on the 2022 programme will be given to non-NPO and non-National museums who are Accredited or Working Towards Accreditation and based in the East Midlands or West Midlands.
Open to All: Accessibility Audit Programme Sharing Event
Wednesday 2 March 2022
10.30am-12noon
Mental Health First Aid Training
Collett Consultancy is delivering a series of Mental Health First Aid training events in partnership with
Dawn Collins, a practised and respected Mental Health First Aid trainer.
During the workshops, you will cover:
- what is mental health
- the Mental Health continuum
- factors which affect Mental Health
- stigma
- stress and stress management
- spotting signs of distress
- Mental Health conditions (including depression and anxiety disorders)
- recovery
- starting a supportive conversation
- supporting Mental Health in the workplace
- useful statistics and helpful resources
The workshops will be held via Zoom and all information will be treated as confidential. There will be scheduled breaks and support for anyone who feels vulnerable during the session. At the end of the training, you will be certified as ‘Mental Health Aware’ by MHFA England CIC.
Follow this link to register and for further information.
Mental Health First Aid Training
Collett Consultancy is delivering a series of Mental Health First Aid training events in partnership with
Dawn Collins, a practised and respected Mental Health First Aid trainer.
During the workshops, you will cover:
- what is mental health
- the Mental Health continuum
- factors which affect Mental Health
- stigma
- stress and stress management
- spotting signs of distress
- Mental Health conditions (including depression and anxiety disorders)
- recovery
- starting a supportive conversation
- supporting Mental Health in the workplace
- useful statistics and helpful resources
The workshops will be held via Zoom and all information will be treated as confidential. There will be scheduled breaks and support for anyone who feels vulnerable during the session. At the end of the training, you will be certified as ‘Mental Health Aware’ by MHFA England CIC.
Follow this link to register and for further information.
Web and social media content accessibility for blind and visually impaired visitors
This virtual training session delivered by Vocal Eyes will support attendees to develop accessible practice when creating digital content, covering text, images and video.
By the end of the session you will better understand:
- How to make website content accessible
- Good practice in headings and link text, alt text, audio description of film
- The online visitor journey for people who are blind or visually impaired, and screen reader users
- Creating accessible social media posts across a range of platforms
The session will be delivered by two trainers – a VocalEyes team member with digital accessibility expertise, and a blind or visually impaired visual awareness trainer.
Please note – the session does not cover technical aspects of website development; the focus is on content.
Priority will be given to delegates from non-NPO and non-National museums in the West Midlands which are Accredited or officially Working Towards Accreditation.
The webinar will be live captioned through StageText and MyClearText.
All participants will receive an email containing a Zoom link prior to the event. The email will be sent to the email address used for booking. If you have not received an email by the day before the event please contact us.
Web and social media content accessibility for blind and visually impaired visitors
Thursday 27 January 2022, 10am-11.30am
Online
Accessible Interpretation and Exhibition Design
A short introductory workshop to support delegates to plan and deliver accessible and inclusive exhibitions, collections displays and interpretation.
The workshop will support the participants to:
- share understanding and agree principles for inclusive design
- identify practical opportunities for change and to integrate inclusive design into project delivery
- respond to findings from an access audit, design appraisal or consultation session*
The session will be delivered by Cassie Herschel-Shorland, BA Hons, AMA, MA, FRSA, NRAC consultant, from Access and Museum Design.
As a freelance consultant Cassie delivers inclusive planning, design, and advice. Her scope of work extends across all stages from policy or strategic approach and concept through to completion. The process covers access auditing, design appraisals and inclusive design workshops. Cassie’s extensive knowledge is based on experience as an exhibition designer, access consultant and historical illustrator.
*This session may be particularly useful to organisations that have been through an accessibility audit or consultation process, although this is not a requirement of attending the session.
No more than two delegates per organisation. Priority will be given to delegates from non-NPO and non-National museums in the West Midlands which are Accredited or officially Working Towards Accreditation.
The webinar will be live captioned through StageText and MyClearText.
All participants will receive an email containing a Zoom link prior to the event. The email will be sent to the email address used for booking. If you have not received an email by the day before the event please contact us.
If the booking button isn’t visible this event is fully booked. If you would like to join the mailing list please email wmmd@ironbridge.org.uk.
Welcoming Everyone
A Welcome to Excellence session on how to offer exceptional and inclusive customer service.
The session is aimed at staff and volunteers and will look at:
- The benefits of an accessible service
- Visible and hidden disabilities
- A positive, welcoming approach
- Tailoring service to be accessible to all
Pre-course activity will be sent to delegates in advance.
Priority will be given to delegates from non-NPO and non-National museums in the West Midlands which are Accredited or officially Working Towards Accreditation.
The webinar will be live captioned through StageText and MyClearText.
All participants will receive an email containing a Zoom link prior to the event. The email will be sent to the email address used for booking. If you have not received an email by the day before the event please contact us.
Wednesday 12 May, 10am-12noon
Online
If the booking button isn’t visible this event is fully booked. To join the waiting list please email wmmd@ironbridge.org.uk
Award-winning Dementia Project sharing session
A sharing session with the National Trust Back to Backs reminiscence volunteers team to hear about their award winning work and plans for themed virtual tours.
The volunteers most recently won the 2021 Dementia Hero Award, their third award since they started their project back in 2018.
If you are interested please email lead volunteer Gill Parry to book your place and kindly cc Muks in the email
Accessible Recruitment
Direct Access will lead a short training session outlining how organisations can make their workplace and recruitment processes more accessible for disabled candidates, sharing their experience and approach.
In this session Direct Access will cover not just how to make your interview process more accessible but how to find disabled talent and the range of in-work support options available. If disabled people know that you are inclusive and accessible they will be more likely to apply. Topics include:
- Where and and how to advertise opportunities
- The interview
- Job offers
- Access to work – what it is and how to apply
- Kickstart, Apprenticeships and welfare to work programmes
Places are limited to two delegates per organisation. Priority will be given to delegates from non-NPO and non-National museums in the West Midlands which are Accredited or officially Working Towards Accreditation.
The webinar will be live captioned courtesy of StageText and MyClearText.
All participants will receive an email containing a Zoom link prior to the event. The email will be sent to the email address used for booking. If you have not received an email by the day before the event please contact us.
Accessible Recruitment
Tuesday 20 July, 11am-12.30pm
Online
If you can’t see the booking button this event is fully booked. To join the waiting list please email wmmd@ironbridge.org.uk.
Digital Access and Inclusion for your Visitors: producing content
Being connected in today’s society is imperative to our organisational success, and with that comes the need to ensure that the connection is digitally inclusive. Digital Inclusion is ensuring that everyone, including disadvantaged groups, has the opportunity to access your organisation virtually and online and is therefore able to participate in, and benefit from, your offer.
Digital inclusive practice is a vital tool in all organisations, no matter what size or budget. It can support you in challenging preconceptions about your service, it can help to attract non-users and it can increase your reputation as an inclusive organisation where people want to work, volunteer and visit.
This 90-minute webinar will support you and your museum in creating good, inclusive content. Disability Collaborative Network (DCN) and EMBED will offer solutions and practical tips for getting ready for the post-lockdown world including making content accessible, working with web developers and digital designers, planning content that reaches shielded people, and making changes which are low cost or free and reflective of any budgetary constraints at this time.
This webinar will cover key areas:
- Understanding the value of digital inclusion
- Exploring the barriers to digital inclusion
- Considering the roles and responsibilities of managers and employees
- Practical advice, tools and tips for embedding digital inclusion in your online offer
- Planning and delivery of online content including key information for your facilities and services
- Working with web designers and developers
- Highlighting the importance of implementing measures of success
Delegates can expect:
- Engaging and energetic session
- Practical tools and techniques and take away to support inclusion within the museum
- An accessible session for people with varying digital experience
This webinar will be live subtitled and is limited to a maximum two delegates per organisation.
All participants who book on to the webinar will receive an email containing a Zoom link to access the training at least one hour prior to the event. If you have not received an email by this time please contact us. Don’t worry you do not need a Zoom account, simply follow the link provided and enter the password.
Priority will be given to delegates from non-NPO and non-National museums in the West Midlands which are Accredited or officially Working Towards Accreditation.
If the booking button isn’t visible the webinar is fully booked. If you want to join the waiting list email wmmd@ironbridge.org.uk
10.30am-12noon, 26 August – Digital Access and Inclusion for your Visitors: producing content
Beyond Statements: Taking Action, a collaboration between Association of Art Museum Curators Foundation and Art Fund.
Beyond Statements: Taking Action, a collaboration between Association of Art Museum Curators Foundation and Art Fund.
Like Art Fund, the US based Association of Art Museum Curators Foundation (AAMC) is committed to supporting and promoting the work of curators and arts professionals through opportunities for networking, collaboration and professional development.
Through this partnership Art Fund and AAMC aim to provide a platform to advance the conversation on structural racism by joining together voices in the US and UK to explore how museums can follow up on recent statements of support with tangible actions to address racial diversity, equity, and inclusive environments.
They are pleased to be able to host the following speakers to discuss this critical issue:
- Monica Montgomery, cultural consultant and independent curator, Museum Hue
- Sepake Angiama, Artistic Director, Iniva
- Sara Wajid, Head of Engagement, Museum of London and founder of Museum Detox
There will be a 60-minute discussion, followed by an opportunity for delegates to ask questions in a 15-minute Q&A.
Please join in for this important conversation on Wednesday 1 July, 4.00-5.15pm. You can register via Zoom here: Beyond Statements: Taking Action
If you’re not able to join on the day, the webinar will be recorded and made available on their website after the event.
