The book is based upon detailed case example research on both the self-reported individual experiences of people with disabilities engaging with cultural heritage, and the accessibility approaches of cultural heritage institutions themselves. Hayhoe grounds the analysis in a theoretical and historical overview of disability and inclusion. He interrogates the various ways in which identity is formed through interaction with cultural heritage, and considers the differences in engagement with cultural heritage amongst those who develop disabilities early in life compared to those who acquire disabilities later in life. His conclusions offer insights that can help improve the provision of cultural heritage engagement to all people, but particularly those with disabilities.
Cultural Heritage, Ageing, Disability, and Identity is key reading for students and scholars of cultural heritage, visitor studies, and disability studies, and will also be of interest to other subject areas engaging with issues of accessibility. It should also be read by institutions looking to improve their accessibility strategy to engage broader audiences.
Simon Hayhoe is a reader in the Department of Education at the University of Bath, UK, and a centre research associate in the Centre for the Philosophy of Natural and Social Science, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK