Lighthouse is continuing to make progress in creating a more inclusive and diverse working environment, as well as making the building more accessible to all users.
The push to realise the organisation’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) ten-year action plan sees two or three targets set each year that drive the pace of change.
Thanks to grants from the Theatres Trust, Lighthouse has been able to install a fully automated door on the front of the building and a backstage lift with push button doors for wheelchair access to the stage and orchestra. In addition, there are newly automated doors on accessible toilets.
Lighthouse has invested in adapting its online ticketing system to make it easier for customers who have registered their needs to book wheelchair spaces and/or a free ticket for a carer or personal assistant.
In line with the EDIB action plan, Lighthouse has been able to adapt its systems and practices to take account of the particular needs of several staff members, as ticket sales assistant Hatty Greenway explains:
“Above all, I need a happy, welcoming place to work and that is what I have found at Lighthouse. Ever since I first came here I have felt part of a family and been welcomed with open arms.
“I have quadriplegic cerebral palsy that affects all four of my limbs, and I have no peripheral vision, which means I am like a horse wearing blinkers. I can see you in front of me but not at the side of me. Plus, my eyes are drawn to light rather than to faces, which can be quite tiring.
“I love being part of the team here, I feel valued and cared for and that is very important to me. I see some colours better than others so, for instance, on our computer screens Concert Hall seats that are available are shown in yellow, but to me they are a slushy grey colour and difficult to see. Lighthouse has been able to make it so that those seats show up in a darker shade of green than the green that appears elsewhere on the system. That makes it easier for me help customers book the seats they want.
“My disability, fatigue and visual tiredness can mean there are times it takes me a little longer to complete a task, but I’ve found staff and customers have been very patient and understanding. It’s really lovely.
“Lighthouse has also been very accommodating with my PAs. They bring me to work and because I need some help with personal care they come back when I have my break. Lighthouse has installed a manual hoist in one of the bathrooms, which makes a huge difference. It’s not just for me, it’s there for customers and other building users as well.
“It’s a real pleasure working at Lighthouse – in my experience not all organisations are like it, in terms of helping me to come to work. I do need help, but I like to have my independence. I’m getting used to working half day shifts, but I want to build up to working a full day.”
(NC)