Building on our Digital Explorations project, we are embracing technology to offer enriching opportunities and inclusive cultural experience for all, particularly disabled people.

This project is supported by the Rothschild Foundation and sits alongside and complements our Arts Council National Portfolio Organisations work. The first year of work is also supported by a grant from Heart of Bucks.

We are achieving this by:

1. Creating paid employment and training opportunities for disabled people in heritage
   
   We have employed a team of 4 neuro-diverse museum trainees, who working with our digital experts, are leading 3D digital curation of Paralympic heritage over the next three years. They are gaining hands-on experience, working with partners and communities locally, regionally and nationally to extend our collections and reach new audiences directly and virtually. Find out more about the Museum Trainees here.
   
   
2.  Diversifying representation and interpretation of Paralympic Heritage
   
   Uncovering and interpreting new, at-risk, underrepresented Paralympic Heritage is vital to National Paralympic Heritage Trust's (NPHT) continued development as a nationally relevant heritage asset and a priority in our 5-year strategic plan 2023-28. The Museum Trainees will lead digital curation expanding collections locally in Buckinghamshire, nationally with 3 national sports federations (Cerebral Palsy Sport, Dwarf Sport and British Blind Sport) and regionally with 2 other South East regions (East London and Hampshire). Placing the expertise, insights and experiences of disabled people at the heart of how the stories are researched, interpreted and presented, and widening representation and understanding of their sporting and disability heritage through digital capture and 3D object galleries.
   
   
3.  Creating accessible/inclusive cultural participation opportunities for local Bucks communities
   
   Using the inspiration of Paralympic heritage and NPHT’s expertise in accessibility and digital capture, we will deliver a learning and engagement programme to build lasting connections between Buckinghamshire heritage partners and their local special educational needs and disability (SEND) schools and communities. Helping break down barriers and to facilitate deeper heritage engagement for underrepresented groups, particularly disabled people. 
   
   
4.  Cultivating new diverse talent for a resilient cultural sector
   
   In consultation with local disability, employability partners and SEND schools we are researching and developing a flexible work placement programme which enables us to respond to the individual needs of disabled young people.

Keep an eye on this page as our project develops.

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