A little with a lot
4
4
Date of visit: August 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Good
I popped into the CCA on my recent visit to the city, as I’d heard great things but hadn’t seen it reviewed on Euan’s Guide. What I found was an inclusive art space run by considerate staff, with a feature I haven’t seen in some large, well-funded museums.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
At the entrance, there is a set of outward-opening double doors with glass panels. This is great for visibility and reduces the risk of a leaving visitor colliding with someone as they exit. I was able to fit through a single door whilst using my wheelchair, though it may be too narrow for some powerchairs. I would have liked to have seen a buzzer or bell at the door to signal staff if needed. As I entered, I encountered a small room to the left, which had books, a privacy curtain and access guides. One aspect that feels particularly unique is that the access guides are printed on different coloured paper. This is great for visual processing and having a variety caters to more people. The exhibition rooms are large and spacious, with great consideration given to those with mobility aids. Scooter users shouldn’t have much issue getting around, provided they can navigate the front doors. There is a lower gallery, with steps leading down. The edges are clearly marked, but there are no handrails. This lower gallery can also be accessed via a ramp. The ramp has rails on either side. The rails are dark grey and contrast well against the white walls. There were some folding tables stored against the right-hand wall of the ramp. These could be an obstacle to some, so it would be nice to see them placed elsewhere. One of the galleries I visited had a screen displaying exhibition content, with long wooden benches provided to sit on. There is a second entrance, with a manual door actually labelled ‘Exit’, where you can access the accessible toilet. There is a stepped route to the toilets from inside the building. This door was pinned open during my visit and opens inwards. There are a range of access features available at the CCA to make it as inclusive as possible. Audio-described tours of exhibitions are available with a week’s notice, while large-print versions of exhibition handouts can be requested from staff in the office, near the second entrance. For visitors who use hearing aids, the CCA has a Roger Pen and MyLink receiver available to borrow during your visit. There are also social narrative videos for autistic visitors, while staff have Autism Awareness and Just A Minute (JAM) training. A sensory map is produced for each exhibition and the CCA also holds a relaxed performance day for every exhibition, with a dedicated quiet space available. Assistance dogs are welcome too.
Accessible facilities: Step-free entrance, Seating at regular intervals, Step-free access to most areas
Parking & Transport
I travelled to this place by walk or wheel
There is a narrow street outside the venue, which has a handful of parking spaces, though I don’t recall seeing any accessible parking spaces. The closest bus stop is 160 metres away, downhill. You’ll also find the Derry Girls Mural and the entrance to Foyleside Shopping Centre at this stop. The closest bus station is 480 metres away, again downhill from the venue. The closest train station is just under a mile away, downhill and over the Peace Bridge.
Accessible facilities: Public or on street parking
Accessible Toilets
Good
If you’ve seen my photos, you’ll note a sign on the accessible toilet door saying it’s out of order. The toilet works fine, it’s the lock that needs repaired. I expect it has been repaired, as the staff were on it. The door to the toilet opens outwards and doesn’t require a RADAR key. The toilet pan is on the rear wall and has rails on either side. The rails contrast well enough against the grey wall. There is a right-side transfer space, which is kept clear. The flush and the red cord are both in this space, which is ideal A small shelf is installed above the toilet cistern.. There are two sinks. One on the left wall has a lever-style mixer tap, rails on either side and a mirror above. The second sink, also on the left wall, has two lever-style taps, one hot and one cold. The room is spacious enough for a wheelchair user or powerchair user, but I don’t feel there’s enough space to safely manoeuvre a scooter.
Facilities: Accessible toilet
Staff
Excellent
I spent a good bit of time speaking to Catherine about the CCA. During our conversation, it became clear that they are truly committed to creating an inviting space for as many people as possible.
