Checklist

The SenseAble Culture Checklist: A Guide to Getting Started.

This checklist helps cultural spaces like yours take the first steps toward becoming more accessible. It is based on trusted international instruments, including:

The NEMO Museums of Impact and Diversity Checklists.
The Culture for All Service Accessibility Checklist.

How This Tool Helps You

This digital tool helps you start your accessibility plan. It helps you find and remove barriers so you follow international rules like the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

The tool focuses on six main areas:

Entrance and Facilities
Management
Information and Displays
Staff Skills
Digital Barriers
Welcoming Practices

How to Score Your Progress

Score each item from 1 to 5 based on real proof from your daily work. If a question does not apply to your museum, click the skip-arrow (0).

5 = Excellent: This is a strength. It works well, and we check it often.
4 = Good: This works well. We are making it even better.
3 = Satisfactory: We are doing this, but we have not checked how well it works yet.
2 = Below Average: We have plans to start, but there is no proof in our daily work yet.
1 = Poor: This does not exist, and we have not discussed it yet.
0 = Skip: This does not apply to our specific building or museum.

About you and your work (Optional)

You do not have to fill out this part. You can choose to answer the questions or skip them. We use this information only to see which countries and organisations are using this tool.

Fill this part here

1. Physical Barriers (The Building and Facilities)

This section checks if visitors can arrive, enter, and move around your building easily and safely.

1) Arrival & Transport: Is the institution reachable by accessible public transport, or do you provide information on alternative solutions like community shuttles or accessible carpooling for rural contexts?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

2) Access Routes & Entrances: Are the routes to the entrance clearly marked, and is the main entrance step-free with power-assisted doors (or is a clearly signposted accessible alternative available)?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

3) Finding Your Way (Wayfinding): Can visitors find their way easily? Are there clear visual signs and tactile signs (like Braille) throughout the building? Are service counters at the right height for people who are sitting or standing?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

4) Lighting & Safety: Are all pathways, signs, and exhibition texts evenly and strongly lit (minimum 150 lux) to ensure clear visibility and avoid dangerous shadows or glares?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

5) Rest Areas & Sensory Comfort: Are there sturdy chairs with armrests in all gallery spaces, and do you provide a sensory map to help visitors identify areas of potential overload (noise, lights, or smells)?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

EXCELLENT

Description

Your building is a model for others. It is very easy to arrive, enter, and move around. You regularly check for barriers. Visitors with sensory disabilities can visit safely on their own.

Recommendations

Share your success with other cultural institutions. Ask disabled visitors to help you find small barriers every year. Try new tools.

See Module 2 (Universal Design) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Design and Tools for Sensory Accessibility” unit of our Online Course if you want to learn more (coming soon).

GOOD

Description

Your building is accessible, and you are working to make it better. There are only small gaps, such as upgrading wayfinding signage, or brightening the hallways.

Recommendations

Review areas where you scored lower. Focus on things like tactile signs and scale models to help people find their way independently.

See Module 2 (Universal Design) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Design and Tools for Sensory Accessibility” unit of our Online Course if you want to learn more.

SATISFACTORY

Description

You have some accessible areas, but they are not the same across the whole building. You have not yet officially checked how well they work.

Recommendations

List what needs fixing in your building. Prioritise the main entrance so everyone can get inside easily.

BELOW AVERAGE

Description

You are talking about accessibility, but you have not made physical changes yet. You know there are barriers to fix.

Recommendations

Do a walk-through with a person with disabilities to find the biggest problems. Focus your budget on the entrance and parking first.

POOR

Description

You have not yet formally looked at accessibility. There are likely many barriers that make it hard for visitors to use your building.

Recommendations

Use this checklist to do your first check. Ask a local association of persons with disabilities for help. Start with one clear change, like the entrance, to build trust.

See chapter 2 (Universal Design) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Design and Tools for Sensory Accessibility” unit of our Online Course if you want to learn more (coming soon).

THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU

2. Institutional Barriers (Management and Employment)

This section looks at whether accessibility is part of your official plans, budget, and hiring.

1) Planning for Everyone (Strategic Planning): Does your institution include accessibility in its main plans and vision? Does this include help for people with sensory (or cognitive) disabilities? Does it also include diverse cultural heritage to make everyone feel they belong?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

2) Budgeting & Resource Sharing: Do you reserve a specific annual budget for accessibility services? Likewise, do you collaborate with local organisations to share tangible resources (e.g., noise-cancelling headphones or wheelchairs) as a way to offset costs?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

3) Procurement Standards: Do you require external contractors (e.g., web designers, exhibition builders) to demonstrate competence and compliance with standards like the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

4) Inclusive Employment: Do you have active policies that ensure people with diverse backgrounds and disabilities have equal opportunities for recruitment, hiring, and career advancement?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

5) Safer Spaces & Sensory Protocols: Does your organisation have a plan to make people feel welcome and safe? This includes rules for good room acoustics and quiet spaces. It also includes help for people who feel overwhelmed by loud noises or bright lights or even a plan to protect staff who experience unfair treatment.

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

EXCELLENT

Description

Accessibility is part of your main goals, budget, and hiring. Your contractors must also meet high standards.

Recommendations

Be a leader in your field. Publish your results and help other cultural institutions improve.

Go to Chapter 8 (Evaluation and Feedback) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Engaging with Diverse Audiences” unit of our Online Course to learn more (coming soon).

GOOD

Description

You have a plan and a budget for accessibility. You might need to do more to track how many disabled people you hire.

Recommendations

Give every department accessibility targets. Ensure every contract you sign requires accessibility rules.

Go to Chapter 8 (Evaluation and Feedback) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Engaging with Diverse Audiences” unit of our Online Course of our Online Course to learn more (coming soon).

SATISFACTORY

Description

You talk about accessibility, but it is not always in your budget. You have goals but not always the money to reach them.

Recommendations

Name one staff member to lead accessibility work. Set aside money in your next budget for training and services.

BELOW AVERAGE

Description

You are starting to talk about accessibility, but it is not yet in your official plans or budget.

Recommendations

Explain to your leaders why accessibility is important and required by law. Write a simple accessibility statement.

Go to Chapter 8 (Evaluation and Feedback) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Engaging with Diverse Audiences” unit of our Online Course to learn more (coming soon).

POOR

Description

Accessibility is not yet in your plans or budget. You have not formally discussed it.

Recommendations

Talk to your leaders about why accessibility matters. Invite a disabled person to speak to management.

Go to Chapter 8 (Evaluation and Feedback) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Engaging with Diverse Audiences” unit of our Online Course to learn more (coming soon).

THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU

3. Communication Barriers (Information and Displays)

This section ensures that information is easy to find and can be understood through different senses.

1) Multi-sensory Information: Is essential information provided via at least two sensory channels (e.g. text and audio)?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

2) Plain Language & Cultural Sensitivity: Are your exhibition texts and brochures written in simple B2-level language without using technical jargon and avoiding stereotypes?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

3) Alternative Formats: Do you offer materials in Braille, large print, or screen-reader-compatible digital files?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

4) Publicity and Pre-visit Info: Do your advertisements and website clearly list available accessibility services (like quiet hours or a interpretation services)? Do you provide tools like Social Stories to help visitors prepare for their visit?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

5) Sensory Environment Alerts: Are visitors warned in advance—both online and on-site—about high noise, flashing lights, or strong smells?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

EXCELLENT

Description

You provide info in many ways, like text and audio. You use simple language (B2 level). You always warn visitors about sensory triggers.

Recommendations

Test your materials with persons with disabilities. Try making your info available in more languages.

See Chapter 6 (Multisensory Storytelling) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Digital and Content Accessibility Communication” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

GOOD

Description

Most of your communication is accessible. There may be small gaps in expositions, temporary shows or digital content.

Recommendations

Create a checklist for all new expositions and shows. Ensure they all use simple language and alternative formats.

See Chapter 6 (Multisensory Storytelling) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Digital and Content Accessibility Communication” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

SATISFACTORY

Description

You have some accessible information, but it is not the same everywhere. People might have to ask for alternative formats.

Recommendations

Make “Simple Language (B2 level)” your standard for all texts addressed to users. Proactively offer materials like Braille.

See Chapter 6 (Multisensory Storytelling) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Digital and Content Accessibility Communication” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

BELOW AVERAGE

Description

You know you need accessible communication, but your texts still use difficult words. Visitors are not warned about sensory triggers.

Recommendations

Look at the most important information on your website or printed materials. Rewrite it in simple language.

See Chapter 6 (Multisensory Storytelling) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Digital and Content Accessibility Communication” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

POOR

Description

You provide info in only one way, usually written text. There is no consideration for sensory needs.

Recommendations

Rewrite one key flyer in simple language. Add a note on your website about what visitors can expect to see and hear or the services you provide.

See Chapter 6 (Multisensory Storytelling) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Digital and Content Accessibility Communication” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU

4. Attitudinal Barriers (Staff Training and Service)

This section evaluates how staff interact with visitors and their level of disability awareness

1) Comprehensive Training: Has all staff (including reception, security, and technical teams) received training on accessibility, diversity, and interacting with people with sensory disabilities?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

2) Direct Communication: Are staff trained to speak directly to the visitor (using clear speech and eye contact) rather than only to their companion or interpreter?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

3) Basic Sign Language: Are frontline staff members trained in basic Sign Language greetings and simple instructions to facilitate a welcoming environment for deaf visitors?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

4) Assistive Tech Competency: Are staff trained to set up and help visitors use devices like hearing induction loops or audio guides?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

5) Service Animals Etiquette: Does the staff know how to welcome visitors with assistance dogs, including identifying designated relief areas and offering them water bowls?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

EXCELLENT

Description

All your staff are trained to help visitors/users with sensory disabilities. They know how to use assistive tools and speak respectfully.

Recommendations

Keep training your team. Ask visitors/users with disabilities to help with the training. Encourage others in your field to do the same.

For more information,

go to Chapter 7 (Staff Training of the Culture for All Guide and the “Understanding Sensory Impairments” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

GOOD

Description

Your staff are trained and know how to help visitors/users, including with service animals. Some teams might still need more training.

Recommendations

Check that every staff member has been trained. Add a practice session where staff act out helping a visitor/user.

For more information, go to Chapter 7 (Staff Training of the Culture for All Guide and the “Understanding Sensory Impairments” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

SATISFACTORY

Description

Some staff are trained, but they might not be sure how the hearing loop system in your facilities work, for example.

Recommendations

Create a basic training plan for all new staff. Make sure everyone knows how to fix your assistive devices.

For more information, go to Chapter 7 (Staff Training of the Culture for All Guide and the “Understanding Sensory Impairments” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

BELOW AVERAGE

Description

You talk about training, but it is not yet happening for everyone. Visitors/users might get mixed levels of help.

Recommendations

Teach everyone to speak directly to the visitor/user.

For more information, go to Chapter 7 (Staff Training of the Culture for All Guide and the “Understanding Sensory Impairments” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

POOR

Description

You have not yet done training on sensory accessibility. Staff may not know how to help disabled visitors.

Recommendations

Give all front-of-house staff a half-day training session. Create a one-page “cheat sheet” with help tips.

For more information, go to Chapter 7 (Staff Training of the Culture for All Guide and the “Understanding Sensory Impairments” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU

5. Digital Barriers (Web Accessibility)

This section checks if your website follows international standards (WCAG) so everyone can use it.

1) Keyboard Use: Can a visitor navigate and operate all functions of your website using only a keyboard (without a mouse)?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

2) Screen Readers: Do all images on the website have Alt-text (hidden descriptions) so blind people can “hear” what is in the picture?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

3) Video Access: Do all videos on your website have captions and, if possible, audio descriptions or sign language interpretation alternatives?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

4) Customisation: Can users change the contrast and make the text larger on your website without the page breaking?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

5) Social Media Accessibility: Are your institution’s social media posts accessible, featuring Alt-text on images, captioned reels, and clear, simple language?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

EXCELLENT

Description

Your website meets high standards. It is easy to use with only a keyboard. All videos have captions and audio descriptions.

Recommendations

Check your site against the newest international rules (WCAG 2.2). Test your site with persons with disabilities every year.

See Chapter 5 (WCAG Guidance) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Digital and Content Accessibility Communication” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

GOOD

Description

Your website is mostly accessible. There might be some issues with older videos or complex forms.

Recommendations

Use an automated tool to find errors. Focus on fixing your homepage and ticket pages first (in the case of museums or theatres).

See Chapter 5 (WCAG Guidance) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Digital and Content Accessibility Communication” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

SATISFACTORY

Description

You have some accessibility features in your website, but you have not tested the site against official standards.

Recommendations

Order a basic audit of your website (or do one yourself). Ensure every new digital contract you sign requires accessibility.

See Chapter 5 (WCAG Guidance) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Digital and Content Accessibility Communication” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

BELOW AVERAGE

Description

You want to improve, but your website still has many barriers. It may not follow current accessibility laws.

Recommendations

Fix the biggest problems first. Add “Alt-text” to your main images and captions to your top videos.

See Chapter 5 (WCAG Guidance) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Digital and Content Accessibility Communication” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

POOR

Description

Your website has not been checked for accessibility. It is likely very hard for disabled people to use.

Recommendations

This is an urgent issue. Use a free tool to check your site today. Post a note on your site explaining your plan to improve.

See Chapter 5 (WCAG Guidance) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Digital and Content Accessibility Communication” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU

6. Consultation and Feedback (Engagement)

This section follows the “Nothing About Us Without Us” principle by involving the community.

1) Participatory Co-creation: Do you involve people with sensory disabilities as active partners in the design and planning stages of new exhibitions or digital tools?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

2) Diverse User Testing: Do you test new resources (such as mobile apps) with users, including those with disabilities?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

3) Feedback Channels: Do you offer many ways for visitors to give feedback (such as email, anonymous surveys, and phone)?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

4) Advisory Groups: Do you have a regular group of persons with disabilities /stakeholders who help you evaluate your venue’s accessibility every year?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

5) Accountability & Improvement: Do you have a clear process to show visitors and community partners how their feedback has been used to make real accessibility changes in your institution?

0 = Skip question 1 = Poor 2 = Below average 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Good 5 = Excellent

EXCELLENT

Description

You include persons with disabilities in your planning from the very beginning. Your institution is a leader because you work as equal partners with the community.

Recommendations

Share your methods with other cultural institutions so they can learn from you. Keep looking for ways to make your partners active leaders in your research.

See Module 8 (Evaluation and Feedback) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Engaging with Diverse Audiences” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

GOOD

Description

You ask for feedback and talk to persons with disabilities often. You have clear ways for people to tell you what they think, but you might not do this for every project.

Recommendations

Make user testing a mandatory rule for every new resource you create. Create a formal schedule for your advisory group to meet and give advice.

See Module 8 (Evaluation and Feedback) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Engaging with Diverse Audiences” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

SATISFACTORY

Description

You have some ways to get feedback, but you do not do it regularly. Involvement usually happens only as one-off events.

Recommendations

Set up a small group of disabled people to give you advice every year. Ensure that at least one person with a sensory disability tests new tools before they are finished.

See Module 8 (Evaluation and Feedback) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Engaging with Diverse Audiences” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

BELOW AVERAGE

Description

You are starting to get feedback, but your channels are not easy for everyone to use. You do not have a structured relationship with the community of persons with disabilities yet.

Recommendations

Find an association of persons with disabilities and ask them for help starting a conversation. Make sure your email or phone number for feedback is very easy to find.

See Module 8 (Evaluation and Feedback) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Engaging with Diverse Audiences” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).

POOR

Description

You do not have a plan to involve persons with disabilities yet. Visitors do not have a clear way to share their experiences with you.

Recommendations

Ask one person with a sensory disability to visit and share their thoughts informally. Create a simple email address for feedback and show it clearly at your entrance.

See Module 8 (Evaluation and Feedback) of the Culture for All Guide and the “Engaging with Diverse Audiences” unit of our Online Course (coming soon).