Disabled people are under-represented in every area of the heritage sector, including people who are learning disabled, people with physical or sensory disabilities or those living with dementia or using mental health services.
We are working in partnership with disabled people to change this unfair situation.
That's why we make it mandatory that all of the projects we fund ensure a wider range of people are involved in heritage.
Here are some of the inspirational projects run by disabled people or delving into the history of disability in the UK. If you've got an idea, we'd love to hear from you.
Inclusion isn't a 'challenge', it's a chance for exciting possibilities
Zebedee Troupers - Abled not DISabled
For the Zebedee Troupers – Abled Not DISabled project, young people with disabilities discovered the role disabled people played during the two world wars.
Changing lives: Georgia breaks down barriers
Changing lives: helping Rachel reach Stanley’s world
Major new disability history initiative wins support
Tracing Fantastic Mr Fox’s long-lost cousin
North Staffordshire Oatcake Obsessions
Young people with disabilities explored the history of the Staffordshire oatcake, developing a range of accredited skills, and creating a performance and exhibition.
100 years and still serving: a centenary heritage project
A group of blind and visually impaired Derbyshire residents explored the history of the First World War and created a piece of tactile artwork.
New College Worcester students help collect memories
Students collected stories and discovered what life was like being blind or partially sighted in the past.
Changing lives: how park life helped Matt, Pat and Tom
Podcasts: how the heritage sector is embracing the trend
Llanfyllin history and memories
The ‘Llanfyllin ni – our Llanfyllin’ project in Mid Wales is recording the contribution made by people living with learning disabilities to their local community.
Disability History Month: recognising access in its many forms
Disability History Month: changing attitudes
Rediscovering 800 years of disability history
The Accentuate History of Place focuses on exploring disabled people’s lives from the Middle Ages to the present day, in relation to built heritage.
Sensing the Wild: going for independence
Through their Sensing the Wild project, Going for Independence CIC alongside Wildlife Trust experts aimed to help visually impaired people explore the nature on their doorsteps.
Opening up the story of Northern Ireland's railways to everyone
Disability charity Destined Ltd are improving access to the Foyle Valley Railway Museum.
Learning Together: making collections accessible through multi-sensory stories
The stories behind exhibits at four of Scotland’s leading heritage attractions are being brought to life for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
Digitising the legacy of disability champion Leonard Cheshire
256 sound tapes that record the memories of people who have lived, worked and volunteered at Leonard Cheshire Disability since the 1950s will be preserved and made available to the public.
