• Accessible Entrances & Movement: Main entrance fully accessible with ramps; elevators to all floors. Clear pathways throughout galleries and public spaces.
• Seating & Rest Areas: Chairs with arms and benches available in galleries and restaurant; wheelchair-accessible seating throughout.
• Accessible Washrooms: Facilities on multiple floors, including gender-neutral restrooms on the 3rd floor. Baby-changing stations in select restrooms.
• Assistive Devices: Manual wheelchairs available; visitors may bring personal devices or use Museum-provided options.
• Service Animals & Support Persons: Service animals welcome; support persons may accompany visitors free of charge.
• Programs & Workshops: Educational programs for all ages and abilities. Reasonable accommodations and alternative formats available upon request.
• Special Exhibitions: Some exhibitions may include sound, lighting, or video components. Accessibility information is available online, outside the gallery, and from gallery attendants.
• Communication Support: Documents and online content available in accessible formats. Staff trained to assist visitors with disabilities.
• Feedback & Assistance: Contact us by phone, email, or in person to report barriers or request support.

Click here to view our full Access Policy.

Access Policy Overview

The George R. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art (“the Gardiner Museum” or “the Museum”) is Canada’s only museum dedicated to ceramic art. The Museum is committed to providing everyone with access to its collections and programs, while maintaining its role as a national and international ceramics expert.

The Museum meets its obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the United Nations Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) through the Canadian Museum Association’s Move to Action standards.

Purpose

The Access Policy guides the Museum in offering programs and services that are accessible to all visitors. It ensures practices are in place to prevent and remove barriers under AODA, specifically Regulation 191/11 Integrated Accessibility Standards Part IV.2 Customer Service Standards.

Scope

The policy applies to all staff and volunteers responsible for designing and implementing programming, education, and visitor services. It takes a proactive approach rooted in inclusion and anti-racism, supported by regular accessibility assessments, consultation with communities and rights holders, and staff training.

Key Areas of Accessibility

Physical Access

• Fully accessible building including ramps, elevators, galleries, and restaurant.
• Clear pathways throughout all public areas.
• Wheelchair-accessible ramp at the south end of the Museum Plaza

Wayfinding & Navigation

• Clear signage is provided throughout the Museum to guide visitors to galleries, washrooms, elevators, and exits.
• Floor plans are posted at key locations, and staff are available to assist with directions.
• Vision strips, and open pathways in galleries support safe and accessible movement for all visitors.

Communication & Accessible Formats

• Documents, signage, and online content available in accessible formats upon request.
• Staff trained to communicate with visitors with diverse disabilities.

Assistive Devices

• Visitors may use personal devices or Museum-provided assistive devices.
• Staff are trained to assist with these devices.

Service Animals & Support Persons

• Service animals are welcome in the areas of the Museum open to the public, except where excluded by law. A service animal may be readily identifiable through visual indicators such as a vest or harness. If it is not readily apparent that the animal is a service animal, the Museum may request documentation from a regulated health professional confirming that the animal is required for reasons related to a disability. No other animals are permitted.
• Support persons may accompany visitors free of charge when necessary for safety or accessibility.

Training

• All staff, volunteers, and third parties receive training on accessibility, assistive devices, service animals, and accommodating visitors.

Notice of Temporary Disruptions

• Information provided for planned or unexpected disruptions to services, facilities, or programs. Notices are posted online and/or at the location.

Special Exhibition

• Some exhibitions may include sound, lighting, or video elements. Accessibility information includes potential triggers, seating options, or alternative experiences where available. Accessibility information will be provided online, outside the gallery space, and by gallery attendants.

Feedback & Assistance

• Visitors can contact the Museum via phone, email, or in person to provide feedback or request accommodations. Concerns are acknowledged promptly and addressed with appropriate solutions.