Venue Description

Chelmsford Museum is a large Victorian house that tells the story of Chelmsford and also contains the Essex Regiment Museum. Situated in a public park with dedicated parking for blue badge holders. It is fully wheelchair accessible with a wide level entrance, automatic entrance doors and disabled toilets. There are galleries looking at geology, archaeology, numismatics, local history, fine and decorative art, natural history as well as the Essex Regiment. The reception desk is manned, at a low level and has an induction loop. Water is provided for guide dogs and there is plenty of seating around the museum.

Accessibility

Chelmsford Museum aims to be as accessible as possible for all ages and abilities. This includes the welcome and assistance offered by our staff who are all trained in disability awareness. Some visitors’ needs are not always apparent so please don’t hesitate to tell us how we can help during your visit and how we can improve your future visiting experience. Sometimes we can help more if we know in advance. Mobility The main approach to the museum is on smooth surfaces with gentle slopes. The entrance doors are automatic. Within the museum, there is level access throughout and lifts to all floors. All of the doorways are wide enough for standard wheelchairs. Sensory A portable induction loop and transaction aids can be borrowed from the welcome desk. Tactile and interactive displays/activities are available throughout the museum. Please contact us for details. Refer to our online autism-friendly guide for more information about the sensory experiences in each room including light levels and sounds. Other • Free parking is available for blue-badge holders. • Assistance dogs are welcome. • We have produced resources to improve the visiting experience for people on the autistic spectrum and/or with learning difficulties. These can be downloaded for use before and during a visit. • The information in our autism-friendly guide may also be useful for people with mental health difficulties such as phobias because it outlines what to expect in each room of the museum. Similarly, it advises on quieter times to visit. • If you are part of a group with particular needs, we can often arrange a tailor-made visit if you pre-book. • We have changing exhibitions and events so if any objects or activities are difficult for you or are of particular interest, please contact the museum before you come. We want you have the best possible experience. Toilets and Changing Facilities Baby changing, male, female and disabled access toilet facilities are available on the ground floor near the museum entrance. Unfortunately, we do not have a dedicated adult changing facility so please ask staff if you need a private place or longer use of the disabled access toilet for this purpose. The disabled access toilet is large enough for a user to be accompanied if required. Unlike the other toilets, it has paper towels instead of hand dryers. This makes it a quieter environment for people who find loud noise uncomfortable.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/accessibility-museum

Accessible Performances

We hold sometimes hold events and activities tailored to particular access needs. We also plan to have special quiet openings.

Awards List

Arts Council England Accredited Museum, Reminiscence Network East, VAQAS. Learning Outside the Classroom accredited, Children's University, working towards NAS autism friendly award

Toilets

The accessible toilet is large, regularly cleaned, non-slip floor, low level basin with easy turn taps, large waste bin. support bars around toilet, alarm. Unlike the other toilets, it has paper towels instead of hand dryers. This makes it a quieter environment for people who find loud noise uncomfortable.

Staff

There are always three museum assitants on duty, including one on the reception desk, that are trained to assist all visitors. Other staff includes museums curators, education officers, a technician, business support officers. All staff have received disability awareness training.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Assistance dogs are welcome.

Other assistance dog facilities

Water provided.