Kelham Island Museum

Due to the nature of the old building and Kelham Island itself, this isn't the most accessible Sheffield museum. There is level access throughout and lifts available between floors. However not all displays are available (for example one of the working engines requires about 5 stairs up to the viewing platform). Most of the exhibits seemed to be suitable for wheelchair users. There is a very good accessible map in the lobby and there are audio guides etc available. The worst part of the museum is getting into it from the carpark. Due to it being on Kelham Island itself, it is mainly cobbled outside and they're very bumpy and I found it difficult to wheel my rollator across them. I think a wheelchair user would probably struggle quite a lot. There is limited parking and only a couple of blue badge parking spaces (I've never been able to get into one). If you're able to get a blue badge space, there is a specific tarmac path to allow wheelchair users access into the museum. I believe it is also Blind/partially sighted accessible due to the texture and contrast to the surrounding cobbles - it is at the side of the building so as to keep you away from the road as much as possible. There are 2 working engines at Kelham Island. One is a smaller engine that isn't too loud, it is in the entrance lobby area, so the sound does carry. The main engine runs at certain times only, and does make a lot of noise and vibrates the floor etc. The staff can tell you when it will be running so you can avoid it if you wish. There is seating available for this engine. There is some seating available, but due to the nature of the building, there isn't much seating throughout.

Great access for wheelchair users and considering the age and location of the premises this is no small feat. There is a great level surface pathway going through the cobled stones and this is all he way from the car park to he main museum and the cafe and other units. There is evidence of information and such like or people with sensory impairments. For example there were tactile guides and maps and the staff were fantastic and were knowledgeable about the additional needs of disabled customers. The toilet was accessible and could be used independently.

My wife has been a wheelchair user for 16 years and we visited Kelham Island for their special open day. We were able to easily visit all of the exhibits and attractions and there has been dramatic improvement for wheelchair users since our first visit about 4 years ago. I was particularly impressed with the smooth wheelchair walkway which had been created to overcome the cobbled access areas.. Toilet facilities were fine and automatic doors were available. A great deal of thought and work has gone into making this museum accessible for all.