Accessible by Design: Building Inclusive Immersive Experiences

Drawing on the themes of the V&A’s Design and Disability exhibition, this panel explores practical strategies and immersive case studies that highlight collaboration and community, showing how equity is not an afterthought but a powerful driver of creativity. By embedding accessibility into multi-sensory, participatory experiences, the speakers will reveal how inclusive design transforms cultural encounters, engages many audiences, and redefines what immersive art and storytelling can achieve.

Speakers:
- Natalie Kane, V&A Curator, Digital Design (chair)
- Jess Starns, V&A Inclusive Design Resident
- Sacha Wares, Theatre/XR Director and Founder of Trial and Error Studio
- Harshadha Balasubramanian, Anthropologist at UCL and Digital Access Consultant in Arts and Heritage
- Ben Glover, Creative Captioner
- Ashley James Brown. Artist, Educator and Creative Technologist

Due to high demand, this sold-out event operates on a waiting list. Please ensure arrival by 6:25 PM for seating. After this time, entry cannot be guaranteed and your space may be reassigned. You can also watch the event online here.

Access information: 

The lecture theatre has an induction loop system for hearing aid users. A British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter will also be available for this event.

The nearest public entrance is the Exhibition Road entrance. This entrance is step-free and has an automatic opening door at the bottom of the walkway. Lifts are available in the Learning Centre Level 0, to access the Hochhauser Auditorium on Level 1.

If you have any further questions regarding accessibility, please email accessibility@vam.ac.uk.