Wheel chair user and carer's visit to The Dig, York
3
3
Date of visit: August 2015
I am a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Average
A hands-on archaeological museum with tactile exhibits. For a wheel chair user the main exhibits are accessible. However, space is limited in places. Free with max card or one carer goes free and disabled person pays.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
There is level access into the museum with push entrance doors. The excavation pits are accessed via steps or a ramp. If it is a struggle to get down to floor level there are artefacts in wooden trays which can be lifted to an accessible height (quite heavy though!) and explored using a trowel or hands. During the sorting of artefacts activity, the table is a low height with gaps underneath which on the face of it is ideal for a wheel chair user to sit at. Unfortunately, it was too low for us! A small section of the museum has thick carpet which proved difficult to push a wheel chair on.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
Located in York city centre, The Dig is conveniently accessible whether travelling by public transport or driving and parking. Stone bow and Piccadilly bus stops, just a few minutes walk. There are numerous car parks close by with disabled parking bays (Shamblers multi-storey car park less than a 5 minute walk).
Accessible Toilets
Bad
Radar key from reception. Accessed through one push door into small foyer area and then folding door into 'accessible' toilet. There is a drop down hand rail to one side of toilet and horizontal hand rail on wall. There are no hoisting facilities. Depending on the size of the wheel chair, there is little turning space . For us there was not enough space to close the door while carer and wheel chair user was in there-luckily we were only washing hands!
Staff
Average
The staff tried to be inclusive during the tour and were willing to answer any questions. The staff have a lot of explaining/ spiel while on the tour so patience is necessary! My only gripe is that we have visited many times when some staff have watched us struggle to manoeuvre through the entrance doors and doors into the toilet area. However, I'm sure if asked they would be willing to help.
Additional Information
Not the greatest for disabled access but definitely worth a visit if interested in archeology, both children and adults. If you are a holder of a 'max card', even better as its free! Some improvements I would recommend: the 'accessible' toilet could do with being bigger and the wooden trays in the excavation area could do with being lighter.
