What is Disabled Access Day?
Disabled Access Day is all about trying something or somewhere new, whether that’s a local museum or gallery. This year the event will take place on Saturday 16th March and we’d love you to get involved and visit somewhere new with your friends and/or family. There are lots of exciting events, activities and offers going on across Tyne & Wear, from British Sign Language tours to discounted entrance fees to facilitated activities. We hope there is something for everyone!
What is Happening and Where?
The Discovery Museum, Blandford Square, Newcastle
A guided tour for blind & partially sighted people; people with physical or learning disabilities, their friends and families. The tour will take place between 12pm and 1pm and is called Newcastle Story, which depicts the city’s history from Roman times right through to the Victorian age. Free places can be booked by ringing 0191 277 2313 or via email robert.latham@twmuseums.org.uk . Places must be booked by no later than Wednesday 13th March.
A BSL interpreted tour will take place for Deaf people, their friends and families between 2pm and 3pm around the Destination Tyneside Exhibition; which looks at the insightful stories of people who have made Tyneside their home. Free places can be booked by ringing 0191 277 2313 or via email robert.latham@twmuseums.org.uk.
Places must be booked by no later than Wednesday 13th March.
We will also be providing a family activity for children with disabilities. There will be drop in Circus themed craft activities for families 11-1 in the Play + Invent space. This will include clown hats, balancing clowns, circus lights and squirting flowers. Just turn up, no booking required!
GNM:Hancock, Barras Bridge, Newcastle
A BSL interpreted guided tour of The Natural Northumbria Gallery will take place between 11am and 12pm where you can discover what makes the North East region special in terms of the animals and plants. Free places can be booked by ringing 0191 277 2313 or via email robert.latham@twmuseums.org.uk
Places must be booked by no later than Wednesday 13th March.
A guided tour for blind & partially sighted people; people with physical or learning disabilities, their friends and families. The tour will take place between 1pm and 2pm and is around The Natural Northumbria Gallery where you can discover what makes the North East region special in terms of the animals and plants. Free places can be booked by ringing 0191 277 2313 or via email robert.latham@twmuseums.org.uk
Places must be booked by no later than Wednesday 13th March.
We will also be providing family activities for children with disabilities. There will be drop in sessions throughout the day.
The first session is “Story Time” between 10:45am – 11am where you will meet the Great North Mouse and Georgina during our Storytime session.
The second session is “Fishing for Clues” between 11am – 12pm. Using our magnetic fishing rods fish clues from our 'pond' to help you discover objects around the gallery.
The third session is “Scribbles & Sketches” between 1pm – 3pm. Scribbles and sketches is a drawing challenge for all ages. Pop along to our Natural Northumbria Gallery to meet some of our handling collection; then have a go at drawing, tracing, or colouring them to take away. Please note: lap trays are available if you require an accessible sketching surface.