Attitudes

Do we make new visitor groups welcome?
Are staff members open-minded about diversity?

A welcoming and open attitude to diversity is the key to developing better services. It is the foundation for all access-development initiatives. An awareness of diverse audiences is required during all stages of planning, financing and production. Policy documents should reflect a desire and commitment to make services accessible to all.

Key points

- identify what knowledge would most benefit your staff and what financial resources are available

- find out if you can organise training together with another cultural-service provider

- contact organisations and businesses that represent the audiences you want to reach. Many offer training and consultation

- learn about good services for all: what is required for good communication, for easy understanding of what you have to offer, and for unimpeded mobility?

- costs vary: some organisations' local representatives are available free, while attending an international conference can cost thousands of euros