Issued 02/03/2016
York heritage centre joins national campaign to showcase accessibility in visitor attractions.
One of York’s most hands on attractions is taking part in a national campaign to champion accessibility in venues across the country.
DIG, on St Saviourgate, will be joining in on Disabled Access Day on Saturday 12th March offering a range of tactile tours, craft activities and special acoustiguides throughout the day to visitors.
“Accessibility is incredibly important to us across our attractions and York Archaeological Trust as a whole, as we aim to make archaeology as accessible as possible. So an event like this is our chance to showcase what we offer throughout the year.”
Commented Natalie Turner, Senior Visitor Services and Experience Manager at The JORVIK Group, the operators of DIG and JORVIK Viking Centre.
“The team at DIG have all taken part in Welcome All training, which teaches effective disability awareness as part of our customer service offer, meaning that anyone who visits our attractions feels welcomed and looked after throughout their visit.”
Indeed, the team at DIG are offering a specific Quiet Space where a ‘pop-up’ version of the hands on DIG pits, where visitors literally dig for replica archaeological artefacts in synthetic soil, and the tactile tours that will take place in the main building will be re-created in the classroom, especially for those with anxiety-related difficulties.
“Our Quiet Space has been designed to allow visitors who need a more peaceful environment to still get the full DIG experience but in a way that works better for their specific needs.”
Added Natalie, who leads on accessibility within The JORVIK Group.
Disabled Access Day at DIG takes places on Saturday 12th March between 10am and 4pm, with tours taking place every 30 minutes. Normal admission prices apply with carers and personal assistants going free. Pre-booking is encouraged by calling 01904 615505 or emailing groups@yorkat.co.uk. For more information please visit www.digyork.com.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Image Caption: Visitors take part in an archaeologically-themed tactile display at DIG.
About Disabled Access Day
Disabled Access Day is all about getting out and visiting a venue that you’ve never been to before – whether a cinema, coffee shop, sports centre or anywhere else. Disabled Access Day is asking disabled people and their friends and families to visit somewhere that they’ve never been before.
Past venues include; The Houses of Parliament, Cutty Sark, The Royal Collection & Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre.
For more information please visit www.disabledaccessday.com
About The JORVIK Group
The JORVIK Group is owned by York Archaeological Trust, an independent charity and comprises:
JORVIK Viking Centre, which will re-open in Spring 2017 following the flooding in December 2015.
Richard III Experience at Monk Bar (from April 2014)
Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar (from April 2014)
Media Contact:
Paul Whiting
Marketing Manager
01904 543433