The sector’s work towards Diversity, Equality and Inclusion does not consistently seem to reach as far as Disability. In this Panel session hosted by the Accessibility Working Group of the Diversity and Inclusion Allies, five panellists will share recent innovative projects with the potential for application to different contexts so as to build engagement with previously unreached audiences, not only making it easier for them to access our services, but helping to make them feel valued and understood. After short presentations, they will comment and discuss further between them before opening up to audience questions.

There will be in-person speakers from organisations including Shakespeare’s Globe, The British Library and The Smithsonian, the Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability, The National Archives, and the National Paralympic Heritage Trust. There will also be one pre-recorded presentation from Kresen Kernow. The topics to be covered include: i) developing physical access to premises and collections; ii) developing access through a digital trail and a virtual museum; iii) making collections accessible to Blind/Partially Blind (BPB) users; iv) developing collections that include disabled people; v) improving discoverability and vi) telling disability histories. Another theme likely to be touched on is working co-productively with disabled people, often new partners for repositories.