Investing in disability heritage

A Sense of the Past researched and recorded the first social history of blindness in Northern Ireland, covering the period from the 1800 to the present day.

Young people with learning disabilities practiced a variety of ancient crafts and shared new skills with their wider local community through a traditional fair.

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.

People in Cardiff and Newport recorded the memories of those who lived and worked at Ely Hospital, a controversial institution for people with learning disabilities.

A group of young disabled people explored the heritage of South Wales to develop a sense of their identity.

More than 150 Deaf volunteers worked to research, record and preserve the history of the Deaf community in Northern Ireland for the first time.

Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums enhanced sensory access across five sites, transforming the visitor experience for people with visual and hearing impairments.

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.

As part of a wider conservation project, Historic Royal Palaces is working with local disabled people to improve access to Kew Palace.

A team of 50 volunteer bat wardens worked to increase the population of horseshoe bats in South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset through monitoring, habitat management and education.

Our Histories promoted mental health recovery by offering participants the opportunity to research their personal histories through storytelling, research, and visits to heritage sites.

Students collected stories and discovered what life was like being blind or partially sighted in the past.