Changing the Meaning of Disability in Heritage Organisations

Research has shown that people with disabilities have always been active actors in the cultural and religious life of their communities. Despite this their history is still largely invisible in Finnish museums and ecclesiastical cultural heritage. This Research Council of Finland funded Proof of Concept project aims to remedy the situation by collaborating with the Turku City Museum, the Church Board, the Threshold Association and the Culture for All service to make disability history visible and increase inclusion. Building on new research and collaboration with disability communities, the project develops and pilots tools, expert services, a podcast and a free guide to help heritage organisations deal with disability in a more complex and inclusive way. The project promotes a positive attitude towards disability and increases the visibility of people with disabilities as active actors and participants in cultural heritage institutions.