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Getting in contact

Many larger museums and galleries have joined BT's TypeTalk service so that all members of staff can communicate by phone with you if you cannot use a voice telephone.

Otherwise information can be sourced via email, brochures or websites. Booking tickets via email may also be possible. They should have a section that details what facilities are available for deaf or hearing-impaired visitors, for example, induction loops.

• More about Typetalk on the RNID website Opens new window

Lectures, talks and events

Check to find out if guided tours incorporate portable induction loop or sound enhancement systems. Also ask if events are in British Sign Language (BSL) or interpreted into BSL.

It's unlikely that most museums or galleries - due to resource or finance - are able to support every event with a sign language interpreter. You may instead be offered either a selection of talks which will be sign language interpreted, or may be asked to give the place notice if you plan to attend so that an interpreter may be arranged.

Some events may include pre-prepared notes on the planned talk.

Subtitles or captions

Subtitles or captions may be used when audio-visual equipment is used. 

Some lectures or talks may be supported by a palantypist. This is someone who types every word that is spoken which then appears on a computer screen. Alternatively, a summary of what is being said may be available instead.

More useful links

• Access to shops, cafes and everyday services
• Organisations and charities - accessing culture and the arts