Accessibility and Accommodations

View of Primary Structures in the Upper Luke Gallery. Photograph by Darren Rigo.

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery strives to provide an environment without barriers to participation and welcomes comments and suggestions from the community to help us on this journey.  You can contact us anytime at [email protected] or call 905-576-3000.

Here are some of the accommodations we offer to help improve access:

  • The building and backyard are physically accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.
  • An elevator provides access to all floors and ramps on either side of the entrance help to provide entry into the building.
  • We have one manual wheelchair available onsite for use.
  • For events and studio classes, we have hearing assistive technology with pairing capabilities for those who have a telecoil (aka t-coil) hearing aid and headphones for those without.
  • For studio classes, we also have document cameras to assist anyone with visual impairments.
  • Our reception desk is equipped with a hearing loop which is always active for any visitor with telecoil (aka t-coil) hearing aid.
  • For programming and events, we can provide ASL interpretation upon request if the request is made with sufficient time to plan for the support.
  • Large print copies of the text, labels and extended information are available for all exhibitions in the exhibition space.
  • Any exhibitions with strobe effects will be noted prior to entry to the exhibition.
  • Any exhibitions with sound will be accompanied by written text available in the exhibition space.
  • We have a variety of chairs available for visitors in exhibition spaces and throughout the gallery footprint. For programming and events indoors, if you require a chair with arms, a sturdy metal chair, or a stool please let us know before or during your visit.  
  • There is a small lounge area on the third floor that can provide a quiet rest space during your visit if needed.

Our visitor engagement staff are always here to help!  If there is something that will make your visit more enjoyable, please do not hesitate to ask. 

Public Accessibility Statement

The RMG strives to address barriers to our building, collections, exhibitions, and programs so that they are accessible to all visitors. We welcome your feedback.

Access to Goods and Services

The RMG will seek to provide barrier-free access to goods and services for all customers. Where barriers cannot be removed, alternate means for accessing goods or services will be provided to the best of the RMG’s ability.

Support Persons and Service Animals

If a customer is accompanied by a support person, the RMG will ensure that both persons may enter the premises together and that the customer is not prevented from having access to the support person. A customer with a disability accompanied by a service animal will be allowed access to premises that are open to the public unless otherwise excluded by law.

The RMG will waive participation fees to support persons, or when not possible, ensure the support person is notified of costs in advance. The RMG will accommodate the customer and support person to sit with one another. In situations where confidential information might be discussed, consent will be obtained from the customer before any potentially confidential information is mentioned in front of the support person.

Communication

The RMG understands the importance of accessible digital and non-digital forms of communication and will do its best to provide accessible types of communication and information to individuals of all abilities. Such accessible formats and communication supports will be provided upon request, in a timely manner and at no additional cost.

Service Disruptions

Service disruptions may occur for reasons that may or may not be within the control or knowledge of the RMG. In the event of any temporary disruptions to the facilities or services which customers with disabilities rely on to access or use goods or services, reasonable efforts will be made to provide advance notice.

When disruptions occur, the RMG will:

  • Post notices in the nearest accessible entrance to the service disruption;
  • Update the website with information about the disruption;
  • Contact customers with reservations or appointments; or
  • By any other method that may be reasonable under the circumstances.

The RMG will make every reasonable effort to indicate when services will resume and suggest alternatives that can be utilized during the disruption. In some circumstances, such as in the situation of unplanned temporary disruptions or emergencies, advance notice may not be possible.

Emergency Notifications

The RMG will provide emergency and public safety information, plans and procedures, maps and warning signs at evacuation points, and any other emergency alert information, in accessible formats or with appropriate communication supports, upon request.

The RMG will:

  • Work with any individuals requesting information and to see how to best meet their needs; and
  • Ensure emergency information can be seen, read, and heard by anyone.

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback can lead to improved service, increased clientele, and a reduction in complaints. The RMG will ensure that feedback can be provided by all customers through a variety of mechanisms, such as in person, by phone, e-mail, or social media. Feedback forms, along with alternate methods of providing feedback verbally (in person or by telephone), or written (handwritten, delivered, website, or e-mail), will be available upon request. 

Customers who provide formal feedback will receive acknowledgement of their feedback, along with any resulting actions based on concerns or complaints that were submitted.

We look forward to your visit – Please get in touch and let us know how we can make it more enjoyable for you.  Contact us at [email protected] or 905-576-3000.

If you would like to review our full Accessibility Policy, you can download it here.