Investing in disability heritage
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.
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
Projects
Our Social Networks: Capturing the nature of friendship and intimacy for people with learning disabilities
This Mencap Cymru project captured the history and nature of friendships and relationships experienced by people with a learning disability in Wales.
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.
Projects
Green Fingers: improving wellbeing through woodland skills training
The Green Light Trust improved individuals’ wellbeing using a programme of traditional woodland skills.
Projects
Disabled young filmmakers will bring to life characters from throughout Newcastle Castle’s history
Beacon Hill Arts worked with Newcastle Castle to help young disabled and autistic people engage with their local heritage through film and music.
Projects
New College Worcester students help collect memories
Students collected stories and discovered what life was like being blind or partially sighted in the past.
Projects
Winlaton's Industrial Past
Trained volunteers supported people with learning disabilities to explore the industrial and social history of Winlaton in Gateshead.
Projects
The Re-Creators: the history of computer games and how they change us
Young people will explore the evolution of computer games from Pong to modern-day narrative-based platform games.
Projects
Exploring the hidden history of brain injury care in Cambridgeshire
People with brain injuries explored the experiences of similar people in the past in this innovative heritage project.
Projects
Growing Together Thundersley - Developing a new community garden
A community-based project in Castle Point worked with people with mental health problems, dementia and learning disabilities to create a garden.
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.
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.