A new Heritage Lottery Fund project is opening up museums and heritage sites across the South East to people with sight loss, including Oxford University Museums.
The new project will enable blind and partially sighted people to increase their independence when visiting museums and heritage sites and has been awarded £438,900 by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
CentreLink South East is a partnership project ed by RNIB with the support of of number of organisations, including Oxford University Museums.
The project aims to increase independence by training staff and volunteers at the sites so that they understand the ompact of sight loss and think about the ways that they can support visitors to have a positive learning experience.
Susan Griffiths, Commumity Engagement Officer at Oxford University Museums said: "We are delighted to be working with RNIB to deliver this innovative project at the Oxford University Museums, which will help the blind and partially sighted become more independent visitors to our museums."
Jon Petty, Head of Operation at RNIB Solutions, said: '"The CultureLink South East project will deliver a clear message that a shared experience of museums, galleries and heritage is a right for everyone. Projects such as these have a positive impact on creating a more inclusive society, where blind and partially sighted people don't have to miss out on enjoyable experiences such as visiting museums and heritage sites."
Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East said: "This is a wonderful example of the real different money raised by the National Lottery players can make to our communities and our heritage. By forming partnerships and sharing ideas and resources, this project will go a long way to making the South East's rich heritage more accessible for blind and partially sighted people. We are delighted to play a funding role."
If you or someone you know is experiencing sight loss, visit www.rnib.org.uk or call the RNIB Helpline to find our more about the range of support that's available.