How Accessible is Merseyside's Heritage

Heritage Groups Ask For Your Views -

Do you enjoy a day out - but find getting around difficult? Have you had a good experience visiting a heritage site or do you think historic attractions could do more to welcome people with disabilities?

Heritage organisations, under the banner of the regional Historic Environment Forum, have organised a seminar to find out more about the experiences of people with disabilities at historic sites in Merseyside. The public seminar, sponsored by English Heritage, the National Trust and the Disability Rights Commission, invites everyone who visits or uses historic buildings, and particularly those with disabilities, to share their views at 2.30pm on 15th June at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.

Speakers will talk about issues such as how historic sites are addressing the Disability Discrimination Act and will provide plenty of opportunity for feedback and time to ask questions.

Russell Walters, Head of Operations at English Heritage, said: "Historic sites are a challenge as they were obviously not built with the needs of visitors with disabilities in mind. However, English Heritage wants passionately to do its best to help everyone experience and learn about Merseyside's heritage. We are delighted to hear from members of the public with good ideas, perhaps for alternative or high-tech ways of enjoying a historic building and learning about its importance when physical access is difficult."

Heather Smith, the National Trust's Access for All Advisor, said: "We are aware some heritage sites have great difficulty in being fully accessible in the physical sense. But we can be inventive. A virtual tour may be developed for web users, guide books can show every room and our volunteer tour guide can share the stories of an estate."

"The more we talk positively about access and work with partners such as English Heritage and the Disability Rights Commission, the more practical solutions we discover together".

To book your free place at the seminar please contact Bharti Mehta at English Heritage on 020 7973 3241, or email your ideas for better disability access to historic buildings to Bharti.Mehta@English-Heritage.org.uk.