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
Creating a pictorial historical record of South East Essex
Volunteers explored and shared nine decades of history through Hadleigh and Thundersley Community Archive’s All Our Stories project.
Projects
Deaf Heritage
More than 150 Deaf volunteers worked to research, record and preserve the history of the Deaf community in Northern Ireland for the first time.
Projects
Derby College - The Roundhouse
The distinctive Roundhouse is an iconic landmark building in Derby. The site has now been converted for use by Derby College, to provide a central, easily accessible campus.
Projects
Look, touch, listen and smell at the Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums
Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums enhanced sensory access across five sites, transforming the visitor experience for people with visual and hearing impairments.
Projects
Unsung: Celebrating the Bicentenary, Social Actions and legacy of Edward Rushton
A city-wide project celebrated the extraordinary life of activist Edward Rushton as part of DaDaFest International 2014.
Projects
Seeing our History: Living with Sight Loss in Edwardian Edinburgh and Lothians
Seeing Our History uncovered the life histories of blind and partially sighted people living in the Edinburgh area between 1903 and 1910.
Projects
365 Stories - charting boundaries of the Leeds story for disabled and marginalised people
365 Leeds stories uncovered and shared the hidden history of people with learning difficulties in Leeds by interviewing people who remembered Meanwood Hospital.
Projects
Our Past, Our Future: working together for the New Forest
This £4.4million landscape partnership scheme has worked to restore lost habitats, develop skills and inspire young people to champion and look after the New Forest.
Projects
Reflection: 50 Years of Mental Health Heritage
Volunteers worked with their local branch of Mind to collect and share the stories of people who have used the charity’s mental health services over the last 50 years.
Projects
Revival of Ancient Crafts
Young people with learning disabilities practiced a variety of ancient crafts and shared new skills with their wider local community through a traditional fair.
Projects
From Tips to Technology
A group of young disabled people explored the heritage of South Wales to develop a sense of their identity.
Projects
Improving disabled access to Kew Palace
As part of a wider conservation project, Historic Royal Palaces is working with local disabled people to improve access to Kew Palace.