Investing in disability heritage

Investing in disability heritage

At the Heritage Fund, we believe everyone should be able to benefit from our funding.

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.

A group of black and white archive images featuring people with disabilities in the workplace.
A collection of images from the QEF archive.

Projects

Attitudes towards disability and employment

The Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People created an exhibition aimed at changing attitudes towards people with disabilities in employment.

Family learning at Burnby Hall Gardens
Family learning at Burnby Hall Gardens.

Projects

Burnby Hall Gardens Golden Jubilee restoration project

An extensive restoration of the lakes and rock gardens ensured that their nationally recognised collection of hardy water lilies is protected, and improved spaces have facilitated more inclusive learning for visitors.

Volunteers from the Hadleigh and Thundersley Community Archive Group examine a walking map
The Hadleigh and Thundersley Community Archive Group celebrate the printing of a walking history map

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.

Signs of our times: A sign language history of the Deaf community in Northern Ireland,

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.

Outside view of the Roundhouse in Derby

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.

Volunteers collecting stories of MIND's work
Volunteers collecting stories of MIND's work

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.

Image icon showing simple outline of traditional tools

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.

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