Investing in disability heritage

Investing in disability heritage

At the Heritage Fund, we believe everyone should be able to benefit from our funding.

Disabled people are under-served 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.

Disabled people are far more likely to be digitally excluded, face barriers to communication, and feel more socially isolated. Even before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, disabled people and people with long-term health conditions were more likely to experience poor mental health and wellbeing. 

We know that this is something that heritage projects can help to address.

Ewan Bachell, the Heritage Fund project manager
 

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.

Newcastle Rotary Club's Annual Outing for the Blind
Some of the officials and guests ready for Newcastle Rotary Club's annual outing to Whitley Bay

Projects

Exploring visual impairment in Newcastle

Visually impaired volunteers investigated the 150-year-old history of their society to learn more about blind heritage in the North East

Man pushing person using large wheelchair next to river

Projects

All-ability access to Garnock landscape

Many more people will have the opportunity to access the River Garnock’s natural beauty spots and experience the health benefits being outdoors can bring.

Members of the group during film production
Participants producing a film about the industrial and social history of Winlaton

Projects

Winlaton's Industrial Past

Trained volunteers supported people with learning disabilities to explore the industrial and social history of Winlaton in Gateshead.

A group of black and white archive images featuring people with disabilities in the workplace.
A collection of images from the QEF archive.

Projects

Attitudes towards disability and employment

The Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People created an exhibition aimed at changing attitudes towards people with disabilities in employment.

Family learning at Burnby Hall Gardens
Family learning at Burnby Hall Gardens.

Projects

Burnby Hall Gardens Golden Jubilee restoration project

An extensive restoration of the lakes and rock gardens ensured that their nationally recognised collection of hardy water lilies is protected, and improved spaces have facilitated more inclusive learning for visitors.