As part of the multi million pound restoration project of the Harris there has been a commitment to making the building accessible for all.
The Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library re-opened on Sunday and it includes a new Changing Places toilet for full disabled access along with dozens of other changes to encourage all Prestonians to visit.
Ramped access is on all entrances and exits and the front desk includes a lowered section for those in wheelchairs.
Read more: Inside the Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library ahead of grand re-opening
Hearing induction loops are in place across all areas for visitors using hearing aids and all audio-visual content in the museum includes subtitles.
Selfie screens include lowered camera positions for visitors in wheelchairs to take part and new tactile maps have been produced to help people navigate the building.
The Egyptian balcony tour is available to explore through an audio-visual monitor for those who can’t access and the Bloomberg Connects App is offered across the museum with digital access to interpretation including a range of languages and formats.
Quiet hours are also taking place every Monday which provides a calmer environment for neurodiverse visitors or those who preferred reduced noise and activity.
Cabinet member for culture and arts at Preston City Council, Anna Hindle (Labour), said: “Accessibility has been at the heart of The Harris project from the very beginning. We want everyone to feel welcome and able to enjoy everything The Harris has to offer, whether that’s exploring the galleries, using the library service, or taking part in community activities.
“The addition of the new Changing Places toilet, along with other important features such as tactile maps, hearing loops, and quiet hours, ensures The Harris can be enjoyed by as many people as possible.”
The museum has been working with Disability Equality North West throughout the restoration project – particularly on the Changing Places toilet.
Chief executive Melanie Close said: “We are delighted with the accessibility at the Harris, as their ‘critical friend’ disabled people and us as a user led organisation have been consulted on many aspects of accessibility during the renovation stage, and many of our recommendations and suggestions have been taken on board.
“The decision to install a changing places toilet, rather than another standard accessible toilet, was really welcomed and now its open the facility is going to be a real asset for visitors to the Harris and to the city centre, especially for events – I don’t think people realise that if you’re a disabled person who needs support to change – often the toilet floor, in the ladies/gents toilet, was the only option – whilst people stepped over you.
“This is not just about going to the loo this is about dignity and being able to leave the house with confidence that a proper facility is available should you need it.
“So now everyone at the Harris can have a ‘grand day out’.”
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