We’re delighted that the Palace has been awarded the Silver Standard by Attitude is Everything, the disability-led charity that improves Deaf and disabled people’s access to live music by working in partnerships with audiences, artists and the music industry.
The Silver Standard has been achieved following a dedicated programme of improvements over the past two years. It recognises that Alexandra Palace now meets a series of criteria and is committed to continued improvements. Notable developments include:
- Dedicated Visitor Services Department
- Increased accessibility information about visiting the Park and Palace online, including downloadable visual journeys
- Improvements to onsite signage, including tactile way-finding signage around the site
- Increased drop down and accessible service at bars, merchandise and food outlets.
- Improvements to viewing platforms and accessible VIP area
- New accessible back stage provision
- Relaxed performances of events where appropriate
- Audio assisted and British Sign Language (BSL) performances for Theatre runs
- Doubled Wheelchair hire provision
- New assistance dog policy
- Dedicated accessible entrance for all events
- Disability awareness training for venue staff
- Becoming registered as a Disability Confident Employer
The improvements have been made with support and feedback from visitors with accessibility requirements, this includes people with hearing, mobility or cognitive considerations.
Alexandra Palace’s Christmas Season will include BSL and relaxed performance of The Gruffalo’s Child in the venue’s Victorian Theatre. This follows accessible performances for a number of productions including Peter Pan Goes Wrong, ICANDANCE and Rhythm Stick.
Louise Stewart, Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust CEO, says: “We’re delighted to have been awarded the Silver Standard by Attitude is Everything. It recognises the improvements we’ve made to the venue, events and the information we provide to people. The Standard also acknowledges the challenges we have overcome – particularly those that arise from working in a heritage environment – and the commitment we’ve made to continue to learn and make improvements to the experience we provide.
“Ally Pally is here for everyone to enjoy and have the chance to experience great entertainment, inspiring activities and education programmes. We look forward to being able to make more improvements in the future, working with people who require additional support and industry leaders.”
Gideon Feldman, Head of Programmes at Attitude is Everything, says: “We are so pleased to welcome Ally Pally onto the Charter of Best Practice. This is an iconic venue with a history few can rival, it is also a venue that due to its iconic status has had some access challenges to review and overcome. The work the team have done to implement new processes and procedures as well as some changes to the infrastructure, such as increasing the size of their viewing platform has seen a step change in the offer they can provide.
“The commitment to access through the work of the last two years is clear from Ally Pally and Attitude is Everything look forward to continuing this relationship and building on this fantastic achievement over the coming year.
For more information about accessibility services available at the Palace click here Find out more about Attitude is Everythign at www.attitudeiseverything.org.uk/