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Mobility Roadshow: Ready, Willing and Mobile 2010

Craig Grimes — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:32:40 +0000

NEWS RELEASE

Mobility Roadshow Announces Ready Willing and Mobile 2010

The Mobility Roadshow, the UK’s premier mobility and lifestyle event, is delighted to announce the sixth year of Ready Willing and Mobile, its national competition that encourages young people to help their less-able peers.

Supporting National Young Disabled Persons’ Day on 3rd July, it offers young people aged between 7 and 16 years the opportunity to win £1,000 for their school or club, as well as great prizes for themselves.

The competition seeks bright ideas to help children with disabilities on the move – at home, at school, at play. Mobility is not an issue exclusive to wheelchair users … sensory, learning or memory impairments can also affect a young person’s mobility in different and challenging ways.

“For over 25 years, The Mobility Roadshow has promoted inclusivity through showcasing products and services to aid anyone who needs help to get around,” said Jacqui Jones, Executive Director of Mobility Choice, the charity that organises the Roadshow. “Through this competition we are encouraging young people to think about others from an early age.”

To enter, all that’s needed is an illustration of the idea with a short description – what it is, how it works and how it could help. Previous entries have included accessible sports and play equipment, accessories and tools, communication and shopping aids and funky lifestyle wheelchairs. There are two age categories, 7 to 11 and 12 to 16, with a winner and runner-up in each age group. An outright winner is then chosen from the two age group winners.

Great Prizes

Each of the two age category winners receives a digital camera, £50 worth of Penguin Books and a VIP visit to the Mobility Roadshow on Saturday, 3rd July 2010 at the East of England Showground, Peterborough. The outright winner goes on to receive extra prizes for their school or club – £1,000 towards equipment or projects, STAEDTLER art and crafts materials worth £250 and £100 worth of Penguin Books. For themselves they bag an overnight stay for four at a Holiday Inn in London with a trip on the London Eye.

Visit www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk for full terms and conditions, entries close on 31st March 2010.

Ready Willing and Mobile is supported by Aspire, Go Kids Go!, Holiday Inn, Penguin Books, Phab Kids!, Royal College of Art and STAEDTLER.

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Tate Collection

Craig Grimes — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:53:17 +0000

When I think of the Tate Gallery I think of one gallery in London, maybe this is because I’m simply not in the know, the Tate Collection is actually 4 galleries across the UK and they provide quite a lot of information for disabled people on their website. I would recommend that you visit the website and have a look around for the information that you require but here’s a brief over view of the galleries and some of the available information.

The website is broken down into the 4 seperate gallaries, Tate Britain, Modern (both in London), Liverpool and St. Ives. In each section the format is the same.

On the Visiting pages there is general information regarding the specific gallery including the address, opening hours, admission prices and how to get there. This information is also available in British Sign Language (BSL) through RealPlayer and it also gives the Minicom number for deaf people.

Visiting Pages:

Tate Britain

Tate Modern

Tate Liverpool

Tate St. Ives
Each of the galleries has an Access and Facilities Page and a page relating to different programmes that the gallery runs for visitors with learning disabilities, blind and deaf people.

Access and Facilities:

Programmes:

The Tate Boat

There is also the Tate Boat which runs between the Tate Britain and Tate Modern and the site states that:
The Tate Boat can accommodate wheelchair users.

However, exceptionally high tides mean that the Tate Boat cannot navigate certain Thames bridges and a replacement vessel may be used at these times. Some replacement vessels are not able to accommodate wheelchair users so we strongly recommend that customers call 020 7887 8888 on the day of travel for further details.

Guide and hearing dogs are welcome on the Tate Boat.

Access at the Tate Collection

You can find all of this of this information and more on one handy Tate Collection Access Page.

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BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead

Craig Grimes — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:46:37 +0000

BALTIC is housed in a landmark industrial building on the south bank of the River Tyne in Gateshead and is the biggest gallery of its kind in the world.

BALTIC has no permanent collection, providing instead an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions and activities that give a unique and compelling insight into contemporary artistic practice. The BALTIC programme ranges from blockbuster exhibitions to innovative new work and projects created by artists working within the local community.

The centre currently has 3 exhibitions by Martin Parr, Malcolm McLaren and Kimsooja and they also give quite a lot of information regarding facilities for disabled people which includes:

“BALTIC is fully accessible with a range of free mobility, parking and general visitor facilities.

Parking (disabled)

There are seven reserved parking spaces for Blue Badge Holders situated to the rear of BALTIC with an access ramp on the riverside of the building which will direct you to the main entrance on BALTIC Square (approximately 180m away). A further five disabled parking bays are available adjacent to BALTIC on South Shore Road.

Toilets

Male, Female and unisex disabled toilets are available on all floors except Level 5.

Facilities for disabled visitors

Click here for a list of facilities available to use at BALTIC. Please contact us in advance to reserve a wheelchair, tri-wheel walker or scooter or to arrange personal guidance.

Guide and Hearing Dogs are welcome.

For information in Braille, large print or on audiotape, or to arrange a touch tour or sign language interpreted tour please call 0191 478 1810 or for textphone 0191 440 4944

BALTIC is part of the Gateshead Shopmobility Scheme. If you wish to book a scooter of wheelchair for your visit to the Gateshead Quayside, please call 0191 440 4960.”

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Colchester Castle Museum

Craig Grimes — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:31:30 +0000

The Colchester Castle Museum has won awards for improvements made in regard to physical access. It has level or ramped access to the ground floor, a lift to the first floor and an accessibile toilet on the ground floor. Induction loops are fitted in appropriate locations through out the museum. However tours of the Castle itself do include two sets of steep stairs and so are not accessible for people with mobility problems. Disabled people and their helpers are eligible for concessionary rate admissions. For further information regarding facilities for disbaled people please visit their access page.

The Sixties Seen: Art, Music and Fashion (until 1st November)

Currently there is a sixties exhibition at the Castle Museum where you can “Enjoy beautiful examples of fashion from the new boutiques and young designers of the time with pieces by Biba, Mary Quant and John Stephens. With gorgeous dresses, denim suits, coats, kaftans and more you will love this nostalgic look at some of the most memorable fashion of the time.

Discover the art of the time with fabulous pieces of Op-Art, among others, by Bridget Riley and Victor Vasarely, who influenced textile design and enjoy pieces by Margaret Mellis, John Howlin and more. Not forgetting the music of the time such as The Who and Jimi Hendrix, there will be fan magazines, posters, album covers and much more.”

On Tuesday 13th October there is a guided tour of the exhibition which will also be British Sign Language Interpreted. The tour is free, after normal Castle admission and starts at 2pm and you do not need to book in advance.

Tea and Talks (Colchester Castle, every Saturday 31st October – 28th November)

The annual Tea and Talk series at the castle this autumn provides a great range of lectures for visitors, covering topics from long ago to the late 20th century. Booking can be made at the Hollytrees Museum, or phoning 01206 282940. All talks have the additional service of being British Sign language interpreted

Local historian Andrew Philips (31st October) kicks things off by showing how Colchester changed in the latter half of the 20th from an old market town to a bustling retail centre. From the 1950s, through the Swinging Sixties to the 1990s, this talk will be a great insight to some, and an enjoyable reminiscence for others.

Patrick Denney (7th November) then takes us back even further to the golden age of theatre and music hall to tell visitors about two of the great events in the early part of the 20th century. The 1909 Colchester Pageant was a hugely ambitious staging of Colchester’s history, while Buffalo Bill’s 1903 visit to Colchester included staggering logistics (his entourage arrived by train, set up a covered 10,000 seater arena, performed their show, took down the arena and left by train – all in one day!!! That’s an arena with the same capacity as the Weston Homes Community Stadium). Annie Oakley – one of the most skilled people with a gun ever to have lived, entertained the Colchester crowds as part of the show.

Following his hugely popular and entertaining talk last year on ‘History through Essex Pub Signs’, local historian Keith Lovell (14th November) is back by popular demand. This talk looks at the origins of the names of beers brewed in the eastern counties. Among those from Essex are Edward Bright Stout, Bitternoth, Braintree Silk, Redoubt, Lighthouse, and many more. (Please note that Old Speckled Hen has nothing to do with chickens or foxes, but with MG Motors!). Sorry, but there will be no samples to taste!

Caroline McDonald, Curator for Archaeology, (21st November) then talks about Gosbecks, a hugely important hub of pre-Roman and Roman Colchester. This often forgotten site holds the true story of the founding of Colchester, and will prove to be a very interesting and enlightening talk.

The series ends with Peter Berridge (28th November) talking about the prisons of Colchester Castle. These prisons saw hundreds of years of criminals (and innocents!), including martyrs and witches, until it was closed in the 1830s as one of the country’s least sanitary prisons.

The talks cost £3.50 each (£3 for Friends of the Museums), or a ticket for all 5 talks can be bought for the price of 4. Tickets can be booked at Hollytrees Museum, or by phoning 01206 282940. Each talk starts at 3pm.

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The Argentium Project: Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery

Craig Grimes — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:25:15 +0000

The Argentium Project: Exploring New Avenues for Silver Design at the Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (BMAG) from the 22nd September 2009 – 21st February 2010 is described as:

“A fascinating display in the metalwork gallery at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, which brings together new research and creative work by Kristina Niedderer. She explores the revolutionary new silver alloy, Argentium^© through hand work and modern machine techniques. Kristina has created a range of objects combining the use of Argentium^© Sterling Silver and laser welding which test and extend traditional craft practice.”

Information about access for disabled people can be found on the BMAG website as can a map of Blue Badge parking in Birmingham City Centre.

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Swansea Festival of Music and Arts

Craig Grimes — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:44:58 +0000

The Swansea Festival of Music and Arts runs from the 28th Spetember – 17th October at various venues across the city. “The success of last year’s 60th birthday Festival has enabled us, in difficult economic circumstances, to build a programme of quality and diversity: concerts, opera, oratorio, chamber music, jazz and gospel, together with classical and contemporary dance, musical comedy, visual arts and lectures. We hope that people of all ages and backgrounds will share the colour and imagination which the arts bring to our lives.”

There is information for people with disabilities regarding three of the main venues; Brangwyn Hall, The Grand Theatre and the Taliesin Arts Centre.

You can also read the Swansea Festival of Music and Arts in Welsh.

“Gwŷl Gerdd a Chelfyddydau Abertawe

Mae llwyddiant Gwyl y llynedd, yn dathlu ei phenblwydd yn 60, wedi’n galluogi, mewn hinsawdd economaidd anodd, i adeiladu rhaglen o ansawdd ac amrywiaeth: cyngherddau, opera,oratorio,miwsig siambr, jas a gospel, ynghyd â dawns glasurol a chyfoes, comedi gerdd, celf weledol a darlithoedd.

Gobeithiwn y bydd pobl o bob oedran a chefndir yn rhannu’r lliw a’r dychymyg y mae’r celfyddydau’n cynnig i’n bywydau.”

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Trebah Garden, Cornwall

Craig Grimes — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:00:20 +0000

Trebah Garden is 26 acres of sub-tropical paradise, located in Cornwall where you can explore under canopies bursting with exotic blooms and follow vibrant tunnels of all year round colour that cascade down to a private beach on the Helford River.

“Information for visitors with disabilities

Parking We have four disabled parking spaces for badge holders near our visitor centre.

Admission Prices For registered disabled: £3.00 per person and for carers: £3.00 per person.

Motorised buggies/wheelchairs Trebah is a ravine garden and has steep sections and steps on some paths making wheelchair use difficult. However, three motorised buggies and one carer controlled buggy are available for use in the garden.

A full demonstration will be given by a member of staff. We recommend visitors telephone to book in advance as the buggies and wheelchair are very much in demand. (Telephone 01326 252200).

The Planters Café, the Gallery Shop and Gardens Shops are fully accessible.

Toilet facilities: We have a fully adapted unisex toilets in the visitor centre. If you have any queries whilst in the garden, Trebah staff will be pleased to help.

Dogs are welcome in the garden and on the beach – on a lead at all times please. We ask that you leave your dogs outside Planters Café but they are welcome on the café veranda and in the picnic area. Water bowls are available outside the visitor centre and poop scoops given to dog owners on arrival.”

Currently there is also the ‘Textiles Plus Trebah’ Exhibition on until the 9th October which is “A collection of work inspired by Trebah from over a two year period, produced by the local group ‘Textiles Plus’ and on display in the Visitor Centre and Planters Cafe.

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The Affordable Art Fair 22nd – 25th October 2009

Craig Grimes — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:23:56 +0000

The Affordable Art Fair (AAF) is the place to discover and buy paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography and original prints – all priced between £50 and £3,000.

With 120 carefully selected galleries from across the UK and Europe exhibiting there is contemporary art on show to suit every taste and budget.

The forthcoming Autumn Collection (22 – 25 October) in Battersea Park, London, marks AAF’s 10th anniversary.

I contacted the Affordable Art Fair to find out about facilities for people with disabilities and they responded very quickly with the following information:

“The Affordable Art Fair is located in a fully wheelchair accessible marquee, with the fair itself designed with wide aisles to make moving around the event easy for wheelchair users. We also have several wheelchairs which can be booked, for free on site, to use within the fair for those less able to walk.

We have a disabled toilet in the entrance marquee and special parking spaces at the entrance for cars displaying disabled stickers.

All of our signage is clearly laid out, using large point size to assist those with visual impairments.

A number of art fair assistants are employed and they are always on hand to give assistance to any visitors who may need it.

Our chosen charity beneficiary for this fair is the Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability. They will have a stand at the event, raising awareness about neurological disabilities and their Art Therapist will also be running a workshop as part of our Education Programme.

We welcome all ages and abilities to our workshops – if a visually impaired person was interested in, for example, having a go at the sculpture making demonstrations, they would be given one-to-one assistance to make them feel involved without feeling patronised.

Previous beneficiaries include BlindArt – a charity dedicated solely to the ideal that all people should enjoy equal access to the visual arts and ActionSpace which runs visual arts projects in London for people with mild to profound learning difficulties.

We endeavour to make our event as accessible as possible for all and welcome any comments on how the public feel we could improve our event through visitor questionnaires.”

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Coastal Currents 2009

Craig Grimes — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:17:53 +0000

The Coastal Currents Arts Festival was launched over a week ago on the 29th August in Hastings, Rye and Bexhill-on-Sea, but don’t panic the event continues until the 30th September so there’s still plenty of time to get there.

“Coastal Currents 2009 promises to be an exciting and accessible event for both residents and visitors to the area with a wide range of free events including film, performances, music, talks, guided walks and workshops. There are also events designed for specialists – a programme of talks and presentations by artists and curators from the South East and London while a screening of artists’ short films will feature work from emerging and well established artists.”

In the right hand column of the Coastal Currents web site there are the “Listings” of all the events and activities during the festival and there is also information regarding physical access to the venues through the use of two symbols to indicate level access and disabled toilets. In addition to this their are contact details for the venues so that if you have any further questions you can email them direct.

Please let us know if you attend this event as we’d love to receive your comments regarding facilities for people with disabilities.

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Somerset Art Works Exhibitions

Craig Grimes — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:43:16 +0000

This evening the Somerset Art Works (SAW) exhibtion launch will be held from 4.30 – 8.00pm at the Langport Town Hall and Gardens, Somerset. SAW is a non-profit making organisation promoting the Visual Arts and creating opportunities for Visual Artists and Makers in Somerset through advocacy, promotion and development.

The main part of the SAW exhibition is Art for Everyone that will run from the 19th September – 4th October throughout the region at different venues. The SAW website lists all the venues and also provides some information regarding access for wheelchair users. You can also search the different activities by using their interactive map, by artist name, and art form.

SAW have recently redeveloped their site and there are still a few glitches such as I couldn’t find the PDF download guide but if you have any questions you can always contact them by email info@somersetartworks.org.uk or telephone 01458 253800.

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