ACCESSIBILITY
Commitment to Accessibility
The Canadian Museum of Health Care is committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all visitors, staff, volunteers, and community members.
We recognize that accessibility is essential to meaningful participation in heritage, education, and community life. We are continually working to identify, reduce, and remove barriers to access within our physical spaces, programs, services, exhibitions, and digital resources.
Accessibility is an ongoing process, and we are committed to continuous improvement through thoughtful planning, community feedback, and inclusive practices. We are also working to improve the accessibility of our website in accordance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
Physical Accessibility
Accessible Entrance
The Museum can be accessed through a barrier-free entrance. Visitors entering from George Street will find a curb cut nearby to support wheelchair and mobility device access. Please note that some entrance doors may be heavier manual doors. Visitors requiring assistance are encouraged to contact staff in advance or upon arrival, and we will be happy to assist.
Elevator Access
The Museum is accessible by elevator, allowing visitors to reach all public gallery and program spaces. Elevators are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and most mobility devices. If you require specific elevator dimensions or have questions about accessibility within the building, please contact us prior to your visit.
Washroom Accessibility
At this time, the Museum does not have a fully accessible washroom within its immediate space. However, accessible washrooms are available nearby on the Kingston General Hospital site/campus. Museum staff are happy to provide directions and assistance as needed.
We recognize the importance of accessible washroom facilities and continue to explore opportunities for future accessibility improvements as part of our ongoing commitment to inclusion.
Seating and Rest Areas
Seating options are available throughout portions of the Museum galleries and public spaces. Portable seating may also be available upon request for visitors who may require additional rest opportunities during their visit.
If you have specific mobility or comfort needs, our staff are happy to assist in planning your visit.
Transportation and Parking
The Museum is accessible by public transportation, with nearby Kingston Transit stops located within walking distance of the site. Limited accessible parking spaces are available nearby on the Kingston General Hospital campus and surrounding streets.
Visitors are encouraged to contact the Museum in advance if they require assistance locating accessible parking or planning their route to the Museum.
Support Persons and Service Animals
Support persons are welcome throughout the Museum. Certified service animals are also welcome in all public areas of the Museum in accordance with accessibility legislation.
If you require accommodations or support during your visit, please contact us in advance and we will do our best to assist.
Sensory Considerations
The Museum aims to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for all visitors. Gallery spaces are generally quiet, with moderate lighting levels. Some exhibits may include audio components or historic medical imagery, though flashing lights and sudden loud sounds are limited.
Visitor traffic tends to be quieter during weekday mornings and early afternoons. Guests seeking a lower-sensory experience are encouraged to contact us in advance so we can help identify quieter visiting times.
Lighting levels vary by gallery but are generally moderate.
The museum is part of Kingston General Hospital’s intercom system and may occasionally receive hospital announcements, which can be sudden and disruptive for some visitors.
If you or someone in your group would benefit from a sensory-friendly visit, please contact us to discuss available options or plan your visit accordingly.
Sensory-friendly programming
The Canadian Museum of Health Care is committed to developing inclusive and accessible learning experiences for visitors of all ages and abilities. Our new 2026 Children’s Gallery was developed with neurodivergent visitors and sensory accessibility in mind.
The gallery includes sensory-friendly and hands-on experiences such as touch-based activities, sensory games, interactive learning elements, and flexible engagement opportunities designed to support a range of learning and communication styles. The space is being thoughtfully designed to encourage exploration, comfort, and participation in a welcoming environment for all children and families.
Programs and Tours
We strive to make our guided tours and public programs as accessible as possible.
If you or your group require accommodations (e.g., mobility support, adjusted pace, quiet space), please contact us and let us know in advance.
While the Children’s Gallery and Purse of the Past outdoor tour are designed to be engaging for all ages, some terrain or spaces may present challenges for mobility devices.
Contact Us
We welcome feedback and questions about accessibility at the Canadian Museum of Health Care.
Please contact us to share your needs, ask questions, or request accommodations:
📞 (613) 548-2419
📧 museum@kingstonhsc.ca