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.
News
Podcasts: how the heritage sector is embracing the trend
Projects
Llanfyllin ni - our Llanfyllin
This project in Mid Wales is recording the contribution made by people living with learning disabilities to their local community.
News
Recognising access in its many forms
Blogs
Access to culture for disabled people: changing attitudes
Projects
Rediscovering 800 years of disability history
The Accentuate History of Place focuses on exploring disabled people’s lives from the Middle Ages to the present day, in relation to built heritage.
Projects
Sensing the Wild: connecting visually impaired people to nature
Through their Sensing the Wild project, Going for Independence CIC alongside Wildlife Trust experts aimed to help visually impaired people explore the nature on their doorsteps.
Projects
Foyle Valley Transport and Railway Museum
Disability charity Destined Ltd are improving access to the Foyle Valley Railway Museum.
Projects
Improving access to museum heritage for people with learning disabilities
The stories behind exhibits at four of Scotland’s leading heritage attractions are being brought to life for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
Projects
Digitising the Leonard Cheshire Sound Archive - preserving and raising awareness of Leonard Cheshire History
256 sound tapes that record the memories of people who have lived, worked and volunteered at Leonard Cheshire Disability since the 1950s will be preserved and made available to the public.
Blogs
Making heritage websites accessible to all
Blogs
Inclusion isn't a 'challenge', it's a chance for exciting possibilities
Projects
100 years and still serving: a centenary heritage project
A group of blind and visually impaired Derbyshire residents explored the history of the First World War and created a piece of tactile artwork.