Thanks to support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, we’ll be working with 18 heritage sites across the South West to improve accessibility for disabled and Deaf people. Over the next three years, the Heritage Ability team will work with Deaf and disabled volunteers to improve accessibility for a range of disabilities, unlocking the South West’s heritage for everyone to enjoy.
The scheme will include:
• Introducing ‘Trampers’ all-terrain mobility scooters, to enable visitors with physical disabilities to access areas that would otherwise be off limits to them
• Improving guide information to meet different needs and enable people to plan ahead for a visit, which can be crucial for people living with a disability
• Recruiting volunteers to create British Sign Language film guides for each site which will be available onsite and to download to personal devices
Nerys Watts, Head of HLF South West, said: “Our heritage is something that all of us should be able to access and enjoy. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we’re delighted to support this fantastic partnership of heritage sites and Deaf and disabled people to remove the barriers to the stories, the adventures and the heritage that the South West has to offer.”
Eighteen sites have joined the scheme, with more expected to follow.
Cornwall
• Geevor Tin Mine
• National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth.
• National Trust Godolphin
• National Trust Tin Coast
• Wheal Martyn Museum
Devon
• Cockington Country Park, Torquay
• Kents Cavern, Torquay
• National Trust Castle Drogo / Woodland Trust Fingle Woods
• National Trust Killerton
• Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter
• Seaton Jurassic
• Seaton Tramway
• Seaton Wetlands
Dorset
• Durlston Country Park, Swanage
• Lulworth Estate
• Moors Valley Country Park
Gloucestershire
• Forest of Dean
Somerset
• National Trust Prior Park, Bath
Diana Crump, CEO at Living Options said: “We believe that disabled people and those from the Deaf community should have the same life chances as everyone else – this includes being able to access beauty spots and enjoy the scenery, learn about their local wildlife and the history of old and interesting buildings through accessible information. We can’t wait to work with our amazing partner sites to help disabled people enjoy and marvel at their beauty and history.”
To keep up to date with the project, follow our social media channels:
Twitter: @heritageability
Facebook: heritageabilitysw
Want to get involved? If you'd like to volunteer with us, drop us an email to: [email protected] or call 01392 495222.