When three of Devon’s leading visitor attractions - RAMM in Exeter, Kents Cavern in Torquay, and Seaton Wetlands in East Devon – wanted to become more welcoming to disabled and Deaf visitors, they partnered with us to create tailored accessibility solutions. Each site had different audiences and environments, so we worked with their teams to deliver resources that matched their needs and ambitions.
At Kents Cavern, we created an Easy Read guide to help visitors with learning disabilities and low literacy navigate the site with confidence. We also produced an online Visual Story to help autistic visitors and people with anxiety prepare for their visit in advance – with images and explanations of what to expect. These were accompanied by BSL video tours, making the heritage site more inclusive for Deaf visitors.
RAMM, Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum, received a similar suite of support – Easy Read and large print guides, BSL interpretation, and a visual guide to help reduce pre-visit anxiety. Staff were involved throughout the process and took part in training to increase their confidence in engaging with disabled visitors.
At Seaton Wetlands, the focus was on improving physical access to nature. We provided a Tramper – an all-terrain mobility scooter - to help visitors with limited mobility explore the reserve independently. As with the other sites, Seaton also received Easy Read and large print guides, a Visual Story, BSL video content and staff training.
The result was a set of simple but powerful changes that made all three venues more accessible, more inclusive and more confident in supporting their visitors.
“We are keen to share the city’s treasures with everyone. The Heritage Ability project has provided expert guidance and the impetus to expand our offer and make RAMM even more accessible to Disabled and Deaf BSL users. It’s all about listening to visitors, consulting experts, finding a balance and providing options to suit the widest possible range of needs. We are committed to this as an ongoing process and grateful to Heritage Ability for being a critical friend, identifying needs, giving sound advice and helping to produce the materials that disabled and Deaf BSL users have asked for.”
– Camilla Hampshire, Royal Albert Memorial Museum Manager
“We are proud to be part of this project and have seen the improvements on site make such a valuable difference to visitors. The pre-visit information is first class, and we can now offer improved access allowing more people to enjoy their visit. I encourage everyone to visit Seaton Wetlands in the future. It is probably now one of the most accessible nature reserves in the South West.”
– Tim Dafforn, Countryside Team Leader for East Devon District Council (which manages Seaton Wetlands)
