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. Under our Heritage 2033 investment principles inclusion, access and participation must be part of every project we fund.
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, Project Manager at The National Lottery Heritage Fund
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
‘Into the garden and beyond’ – improving visitor access to Parc Cefn Onn
A £454,000 grant is enabling people to enjoy improved access to the Grade II listed historic park in Cardiff.
News
Creating an archive for historic disability rights movement
Stories
Report: museums and heritage sites need to improve online accessibility information
Publications
Understanding how we can be a more inclusive and equitable funder
Blogs
Diversifying workforces benefits staff, employers and heritage audiences
Projects
Heritage Trips for Disadvantaged Young People
Young people with sickle cell disease and other genetic blood disorders and their families took part in social activities to experience local heritage, building confidence and connection.
Projects
Touching stitches: embroidery access for the blind
This innovative project explored ways to enable blind and partially sighted people to access the Edinburgh College of Art’s historic textile collection, which spans over three centuries.
Projects
100 Portraits - a living archive of learning disability today
Artists used portraiture to capture a snapshot of the learning disabled community in Scotland during the pandemic.
Projects
People with disabilities tell their stories through photography
A participatory photography project is supporting disabled people and those from socially deprived areas to engage with their local and national heritage.
Projects
The Wilderness: Saving nature’s heritage to improve wellbeing
Despite challenges during the pandemic, The Wilderness project shows how older people’s wellbeing can be improved by actively restoring and engaging with natural heritage.
News
£3.2million for the Natural History Museum’s Urban Nature Project
News