St Paul's marks Disabled Access Day with a series of tours and events

People of all ages and with disabilities of any kind are being encouraged to visit St Paul's this January, as the Cathedral takes part in Disabled Access Day.

On the first day of its kind in the UK, landmarks, venues and attractions, including St Paul's, put on special events and tours for children and adults throughout the day on Saturday 17 January.

St Paul’s has long been concerned about access for all, shown in its lifts, ramps, guided touch tours, audio description guides, British Sign Language multimedia tours, audio induction loop, the work of the Schools & Families department and the recent appointment of a new accessibility advisor.

But this day, organised by a group of disabled people, gave the Cathedral a chance to put people with all disabilities right at the heart of activities, both for sightseeing and worship on Disabled Access Day, Saturday, 17 January 2015

Doors opened for sightseeing from 8.30am - 4pm.

Entry for anyone registered disabled and their helper/carer/friend was free all day.

Entry at North Transept after 9.45am (before that, entry via main west end doors with accessible entrance via South Churchyard).

ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL SETS THE STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBILITY IN PLACES OF WORSHIP AND HERE IS AN OVERVIEW AND JUST SOME OF THE PROVISIONS

• There is level access to the service.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The hearing system is available only on request.
• The system is a fixed loop.
• Staff are trained to use the system.
• This venue does not play background music.
• Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
• Lighting levels are medium.
• Customers cannot charge scooters or wheelchairs at the venue.
• Seating in the cathedral can be moved, so wheelchair users can sit anywhere for services.
• Parts of the floor in the Crypt have an uneven surface.
• There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
• Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
• Documents can be requested in Braille.
• Documents can be requested in large print.
• A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not generally on duty.
• This service cannot be requested.
• Staff are Text Relay aware.
• Plastic cups are available.
• Plastic cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available on request.
• Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
• Documents can be requested in Braille.
• Documents can be requested in large print.
• A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not generally on duty.
• This service cannot be requested.
• Staff are Text Relay aware.
• Plastic cups are available.
• Plastic cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available on request.
• The Museum has the following points for visitors to bear in mind
• Exhibits can be audio described.
• Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
• The availability of tactile signage does not depend on exhibition.
• Touch tours are available.
• The availability of touch tours depends on exhibition.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The hearing system is a fixed loop.
• A deposit is required for the hearing system.
• Concessions are available.
• There is a wheelchair to borrow. To borrow the wheelchair, ask at the South entrance.

Lynn Johnson, Visits Manager at St Paul’s, said: “When Sir Christopher Wren was designing St Paul’s, the concept of accessibility was still centuries away. But in recent times, we have worked incredibly hard to be inclusive of all people and this Disabled Access Day gave us the chance to show people they should not be nervous or intimidated about visiting us, whether as a sightseer or worshipper. “We are truly excited about this special day and hope it’s something we can be involved with for many years to come.”