The tours aim to make history more accessible to users of British Sign Language Two Devon heritage sites have found a new way to make history more accessible.
Deaf visitors to Seaton Tramway and Lundy Island, can now benefit from specially filmed tours featuring British Sign Language. The films feature short video clips explaining the details and history of the sites in BSL.
The tours were developed by Heritage Ability, who worked closely with a BSL signer. Heritage Ability is a three-year initiative funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to help improve accessibility at over 20 attractions in the South west.
Paul Valentine, the Heritage Ability Deaf volunteer who features in the Lundy BSL tour said: “Having a BSL filmed tour available at attractions is so important. It helps BSL users who struggle with written English, to go out with their families and enjoy the heritage in the South West on an equal footing.”
The video tours are installed on tablets, which are available to visitors on request, and can be picked up on arrival in the reception area. Visitors can use the tablets to travel around the site and access the information at their own pace. The clips are also uploaded to the Heritage Ability YouTube channel for visitors to view on their own devices.
