AGNSW_AnnRep_00 full.pdf - Parliament of New South Wales ...
AGNSW_AnnRep_00 full.pdf - Parliament of New South Wales ...
AGNSW_AnnRep_00 full.pdf - Parliament of New South Wales ...
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The Art Gallery is developing a<br />
updated Aged and Disability Plan<br />
that will incorporate strategies<br />
across six major areas including<br />
physical access, promotion <strong>of</strong><br />
positive community attitudes; staff<br />
training; information about services;<br />
employment; and complaints. The<br />
Art Gallery’s commitment to equal<br />
access for all people is reflected in<br />
our policy as detailed below.<br />
GUARANTEE OF SERVICE<br />
The Art Gallery recognise that the<br />
public has the right to expect that<br />
services will be provided without<br />
discrimination. In particular we will<br />
provide access service for visitors<br />
with special needs, including the<br />
aged and disabled. We will seek to<br />
continuously improve our service to<br />
visitors and welcome feedback<br />
directly to staff and through regular<br />
surveys.<br />
MOBILITY HANDICAPPED VISITORS<br />
Two dedicated Disabled Parking<br />
spaces are available at the rear <strong>of</strong><br />
the Art Gallery for visitors with<br />
disabilities. Special arrangements<br />
are also made for bus parking.<br />
Access to these spaces is via the<br />
service road on the southern side <strong>of</strong><br />
the Art Gallery. From the rear <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Art Gallery access to all exhibitions,<br />
displays, public and administrative<br />
areas is by way <strong>of</strong> ramps and lifts,<br />
suitably signposted.<br />
There are two public Disabled<br />
Parking spaces available at the front<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Art Gallery.<br />
The Art Gallery’s Domain Theatre has<br />
access space designed for wheelchair<br />
users.<br />
DEAF AND HEARING IMPAIRED<br />
VISITORS<br />
Severely and Pr<strong>of</strong>oundly Deaf<br />
Visitors<br />
In 1997 the Art Gallery implemented<br />
free monthly Auslan guided tours.<br />
We regularly book sign-language<br />
interpreters for advertised guided<br />
tours, and particularly in association<br />
with Deaf Awareness Week. Groups<br />
<strong>of</strong> deaf people making bookings are<br />
provided with sign-language<br />
interpreters free <strong>of</strong> charge. In 1996<br />
the Art Gallery implemented at TTY<br />
telephone number (9225-1711).<br />
This number is listed in the Telstra<br />
TTY directory.<br />
Hearing Impaired<br />
Our Domain Theatre provided Audio-<br />
Induction Loop facilities for all<br />
lectures and films. An FM-<br />
Microphone System for hearing-aid<br />
users is available on request for<br />
guided tours.<br />
VISUALLY IMPAIRED VISITORS<br />
A major refurbishment <strong>of</strong> the elevator<br />
servicing Level 1, Ground Floor and<br />
Upper Level has seen the installation<br />
<strong>of</strong> voice notification <strong>of</strong> floor and<br />
access details.<br />
AGED AND DISABILITY PLAN<br />
GENERAL<br />
Staff Training<br />
Information and awareness sessions<br />
are held for staff and Volunteer<br />
Guides, with particular reference to<br />
servicing visitors with special needs.<br />
Some Volunteer Guides and staff<br />
have undertaken introductory<br />
courses in sign-language.<br />
We have designated an Education<br />
Officer to manage the Art Gallery’s<br />
programmes and facilities for people<br />
with disabilities.<br />
Helpers<br />
General entry to the Art Gallery is<br />
free to all visitors. However, where<br />
charges are made for special<br />
exhibitions, helpers accompanying<br />
visitors with disabilities are admitted<br />
free <strong>of</strong> charge.<br />
Information and Publicity<br />
Our information publication<br />
exhibitions / events is freely available<br />
from our Information Desk. This<br />
booklet contains information for<br />
visitors with special needs. Currently<br />
the Bulletin is posted to over 4,<strong>00</strong>0<br />
interest individuals or organisation.<br />
Employment Practices<br />
The Art Gallery ensures equal<br />
opportunity principles are used for<br />
recruitment and general employment<br />
practice.<br />
NEW STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE<br />
SERVICES<br />
Ramp Access<br />
The Gallery engaged heritage<br />
architects to design ramp access to<br />
the front <strong>of</strong> the Art Gallery. This type<br />
<strong>of</strong> access would be beneficial to<br />
people in wheel chairs, the aged,<br />
and people with prams. The building<br />
plans will be submitted for review by<br />
an appropriate disability community<br />
organisation. Unfortunately,<br />
Government funding was not<br />
forthcoming for the 2<strong>00</strong>0/2<strong>00</strong>1<br />
financial year to build this ramp.<br />
The Art Gallery will pursue funding<br />
for the 2<strong>00</strong>1/2<strong>00</strong>2 financial year.<br />
Communications<br />
The new Internet website launched<br />
this year includes capacity for large<br />
print screen versions <strong>of</strong> all<br />
information.<br />
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