The awards were celebrated at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park on Thursday 2 February, and staff from RAMM were delighted to take home the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism award.
This category recognises organisations providing truly memorable visitor experiences for everyone, particularly those with accessibility requirements, and demonstrating excellence across every aspect.
Accessibility and inclusivity are core considerations for RAMM. The museum has 16 galleries on 2 floors that are fully accessible to wheelchair users. Large print, hearing loops, wheelchairs, free WiFi, online BSL/subtitled videos and accessible toilets are all available.
Our Audience Development Lead Helen Hartstein, who accepted the Dartington crystal trophy on the night, said:
‘We are delighted to have won Gold in the Inclusive and Accessible Tourism category, and grateful to the Devon Tourism Awards for this recognition. Since the museum’s redevelopment in 2012 a great deal of thought has gone into the layout of the galleries, and our teams have created fantastic accessible resources and an abundance of online content to ensure the museum can be explored from home.’
RAMM Engagement officer Ruth Gidley said:
‘We know that our visitors really appreciate having accessible and inclusive events and exhibitions on their doorstep. For our summer exhibition Brick by Brick: A LEGO brick history of Exeter, we programmed early openings with reduced numbers, to help people who struggle with noise and busy spaces. It made a quiet space available for anyone who might need to calm down, and trained staff to offer it. We provided a visual story for the exhibition – produced with direct input from an autistic young person on a work placement – for visitors to prepare in advance. Families attending the quieter sessions said they loved being around other supportive adults, and noted that their children responded well.
‘We work with a number of charities and support groups, including the Pelican Project, Magic Carpet and Living Options, to ensure that we are providing inclusive experiences, and that we continue to improve and learn.’
Councillor Laura Wright, Exeter City Council’s lead for Arts, Culture and Corporate Services, said:
‘We are thrilled that the RAMM has won this award, which is a testament to the great deal of work that has gone in to ensuring our museum is accessible and enjoyable for every body.
‘RAMM belongs to the City and is for everyone, so it is imperative that all visitors can enjoy the museum regardless of access needs. It is a place for Exeter’s community to learn, relax and explore, and it’s fantastic to have this service at the heart of the city. I’d like to thank all of the staff and volunteers for their important work in this area.’
Other finalists in the category were Little Comfort Farm in Braunton, who took silver, and Seaton Tramway, who took bronze. Lydford Gorge Alpacas received a special commendation. The category was sponsored by Lifeworks, Learning Disability Champions. The full lists of awards finalists can be found at devontourismawards.org.uk
