Twenty-two young disabled people between the ages of 13 and 14 will be involved in the ‘Accessible Heritage’ project, which is supported through HLF’s ‘Young Roots’ small grants programme. The young people will explore a number of historic buildings, such as Belfast City Hall and Ulster Museum, to discover how the improving levels of accessibility reflect the changing attitudes to disability throughout the last one hundred years. 

HLF’s ‘Young Roots’ programme has been designed to encourage young people to take the lead in heritage projects to help develop their skills and confidence. Learning and participation are key elements of the scheme and the young people will work in partnership with the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society to learn more about the historic built environment and uncover the hidden histories behind the various heritage sites. They will take part in workshops focusing on how society has changed over the century, allowing the young people to investigate the historical context of the changing levels of accessibility to the sites. They will also receive training in photographic techniques to record the characteristics and architecture of the buildings during site visits.
 
The findings will be presented in a photographic exhibition at a professional gallery where the young people will celebrate the project and showcase their newly acquired skills. The general public, as well as construction industry professionals, will be invited to attend to raise awareness of the accessibility issues faced by young people with disabilities.

Announcing the award, Head of HLF Northern Ireland, Paul Mullan, said: “We are delighted to support this innovative project which will explore the changing levels of disability access in the historic built environment. The young people will lead the project and in doing so will learn more about the heritage that matters to them as well as a host of new skills.”  

Caroline Shiels, Chief Executive of ADAPT, said: “ADAPT is delighted to accept this funding from HLF in support of  ‘Accessible Heritage’; a unique project  that inspires the value of our heritage, whilst boosting the engagement of disadvantaged and marginalised groups of young people with  local heritage venues committed to building equality and inclusion into all that they offer.”

Since 1994 HLF has awarded £135 million to projects across Northern Ireland. For more information about HLF grants programmes.

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. 

Since 1994 the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £135 million to projects across Northern Ireland.

Further information

Julie Halliday, HLF Northern Ireland on 07733 100 674 or julieh@hlf.org.uk