Author: Clodagh Dodd
When we consider heritage at risk, we often think of historic buildings, natural landscapes or cultural traditions at risk of being lost. But there is another, perhaps less visible, risk to consider:
What happens when the heritage remains, but people become disconnected from it?
Heritage can also be at risk when people face barriers to accessing, experiencing or participating in it.
Our heritage includes our built and natural environments, as well as the traditions, stories and practices that shape our cultural identity. Ensuring more people can experience and connect with this heritage can help keep it relevant, valued and protected for future generations.
Protecting heritage while improving access
Accessibility and conservation can sometimes be seen as competing priorities, particularly in historic environments. Existing features such as steps, narrow entrances, uneven surfaces and changes in level can present barriers to access, while also forming part of the character and significance of a place. Any interventions therefore need to be carefully considered to ensure that accessibility is improved while the heritage value of the site is respected.
Similar challenges arise within our natural heritage. Improving access to a woodland, coastline, waterway or historic landscape needs to be balanced with protecting habitats, biodiversity and the character of the natural environment.
Improving accessibility does not, however, have to compromise what makes a place significant. A Universal Design approach can help identify barriers and consider how the widest range of people can experience our built, natural and cultural heritage, while recognising the particular characteristics and existing constraints.
At OHAC, we increasingly look at heritage accessibility through the whole visitor journey, from finding information and planning a visit, through to arrival, movement around a site, orientation, interpretation, participation and departure. This wider approach can help identify barriers that a conventional building-focused assessment may not capture, and opportunities for improvements such as accessible routes and viewing points, seating, lighting, signage and wayfinding, and inclusive information and interpretation.
Where physical access cannot reasonably be provided, alternative ways of experiencing heritage, including tactile interpretation, audio description, captioned content or virtual access, can also be considered. .
The value of considering accessibility early
Some of the greatest opportunities arise when accessibility is considered early, while conservation works, visitor experience improvements or public realm projects are still being developed. At this stage, Universal Design can help inform decisions and become part of the overall approach, rather than requiring barriers to be addressed retrospectively.
For heritage organisations, this could mean reviewing a historic property before planned conservation works, considering accessibility as part of a new exhibition, assessing a heritage trail or landscape, reviewing wayfinding and visitor information, or involving people with different lived experiences before significant investment decisions are made.
Heritage settings rarely lend themselves to standard solutions. Existing fabric, topography, conservation objectives, operational requirements and the needs of different users can pull a project in different directions. This is where specialist access advice can add value, helping project teams understand barriers, prioritise interventions and identify proportionate solutions rather than applying accessibility requirements in isolation.
Considering these issues as part of planned works can also help organisations determine what should change, what should be retained and where alternative approaches may be appropriate, rather than treating accessibility as a separate project at a later stage.
Access is about more than the physical environment
Accessibility is also about how people experience and participate in heritage. This is particularly relevant to cultural heritage, where traditions, music, language, crafts and storytelling are often experienced through participation rather than physical access alone.
Considering different access requirements when planning heritage activities, events and interpretation can help identify barriers to participation. This may include considering accessible ways to participate in a traditional craft workshop, how a Deaf visitor can engage with a storytelling or music event, how someone with a vision impairment experience an exhibition or historic landscape. It also means considering whether information is available in accessible formats that enable more people to understand and engage with.
Considering how people with different access requirements can participate in these experiences, and involving people with disabilities in their planning and development, can help identify barriers and create more meaningful opportunities to experience, understand and engage with our shared heritage.
Participation can help protect heritage
Navigating the journey towards full accessibility can be daunting, but you do not have to do it alone. OHAC Improving accessibility can strengthen the connection between heritage and the communities it belongs to, helping to build greater awareness, understanding and appreciation of its value.
The theme of Heritage at Risk asks us to consider how endangered aspects of our built, natural and cultural heritage can be reimagined and revived. As part of this, we should consider not only what we need to protect, but who has the opportunity to experience what we are protecting. Accessibility and Universal Design have an important role to play in this conversation.
By identifying barriers and considering accessibility as an integral part of conservation and planning, we can help protect what makes our heritage significant while enabling more people to experience, understand and connect with it.
At OHAC, we work with organisations to understand accessibility across the whole heritage experience, from buildings, landscapes and public spaces to wayfinding, interpretation and participation. For heritage organisations planning conservation works, visitor experience improvements or investment in their sites, considering Universal Design early can help identify barriers, establish priorities and develop proportionate solutions that respond to both accessibility and heritage significance.
Contact – OHerlihy Access Consultancy
Author’s Note
This article reflects the author’s professional experience and perspective on inclusive tourism, heritage sites and stakeholder engagement. The references below are included as supporting sources commonly used in our work on accessible heritage.
Sources and Further Reading
National Heritage Week / The Heritage Council