Disability History Month 2025 at Bradford Museums

Exploring Disability Heritage and Accessibility in Museums

From 20 November to 20 December 2025, Disability History Month will be observed, highlighting the importance of disability heritage and inclusion. Pen Foreman, Learning and Outreach Manager at Bradford District Museums and Galleries, shares insights on the challenges and opportunities of representing disabled histories in museums, drawing from both personal experience and professional expertise.

Addressing Barriers and Changing Perspectives

Pen Foreman, who has a mobility impairment and a chronic health condition, emphasises the need to move beyond traditional medicalised interpretations of disability. Often, museums focus on medical devices or portray disabled people’s stories as inspirational tales of overcoming adversity, which can inadvertently evoke pity rather than understanding. Instead, Foreman advocates for nuanced interpretation led by disabled people themselves, ensuring that disabled individuals are represented as whole persons rather than defined solely by their disabilities.

Disability Heritage in Everyday Collections

During a recent visit to museum stores, Foreman highlighted a pair of crochet gloves made around 1928 by Ada Bateson, a mill worker who lost a finger in a workplace accident. These gloves were adapted to fit her hand and reflect her desire to maintain fashion and craftsmanship rather than merely addressing functional needs. This example illustrates how disability heritage can be found throughout museum collections when viewed with an informed perspective.

The Significance of Disability History Month

Established in 2010 by disabled people and organisations, Disability History Month aims to:

• Raise awareness of the unequal position of disabled people in society
• Advocate for disability equality
• Develop understanding of the historical roots of inequality
• Highlight disabled people’s struggles for equality and inclusion
• Promote the social model of disability
• Support implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and the Equality Act (2010)

Bradford Museums’ Commitment to Accessibility

Bradford District Museums and Galleries are committed to representing disabled histories and improving accessibility. To support this, they have launched a call for members to join an Access Panel composed of disabled, d/Deaf, and neurodivergent individuals. This panel will provide advice and recommendations on exhibitions, events, interpretation, and accessibility improvements. Members will be compensated for their expertise and time.

For those interested in applying or learning more about the Access Panel, further details are available on the Bradford District Museums and Galleries website.

To read the full article and explore more about Disability History Month 2025, visit the Bradford Museums blog.