Reading the Records: Gloucestershire Sight Loss Council make history accessible for all
Gloucestershire Sight Loss Council (SLC) has partnered with Gloucestershire Heritage Hub to create ‘Reading the Records, Open to All’, a series of inclusive sessions designed especially for blind and partially sighted (BPS) people.
The programme brought history to life beyond traditional displays. Participants experienced the county’s archival treasures through fully tactile, immersive sessions that were engaging, hands-on, and accessible.
Attendees explored historic police records, machinery, school logbooks, and recordings spanning more than a century. Through tactile exploration and tailored support, participants were able to experience the archive’s collections in ways that were meaningful, engaging and accessible.
“It was great to get hands-on experience of the documents and items at the archives, being able to even have a go at repairing items.
“It felt really thought out and I would recommend people going when the next group of sessions are on!”
Ann, Gloucestershire SLC member
Ann, SLC member, examining an artefact in glass
“I love history and anything from the past, so it was really interesting to come along to the sessions. I hope we run more in the future as I couldn’t make all of them.
“I got to listen to some of the sounds they had stored from old movie footage, which was fascinating. Everyone was so friendly.”
Gavin, Gloucestershire SLC member
Co-design at the heart
As part of their mission to make arts and culture more accessible, Gloucestershire SLC members co-designed all aspects of the sessions alongside the Heritage Hub. Drawing on their lived experience, they helped shape the layout, handling of materials, and the technology that supported participation.
Yahya Pandor, Engagement Manager for South West England, said:
“Co-design is about putting blind and partially sighted people at the heart of the experience.
“By working together from the outset, we’ve helped create something that not only removes barriers but genuinely empowers people to engage with history in ways that work for them.
“Thank you to the Heritage Hub for working with us on this project.”
Sessions included a wide range of materials. Participants handled historic police records, machinery and recordings spanning more than a century. One session offered one-to-one support from the Gloucestershire Family History Society, helping attendees explore their own family history online. The most recent session featured readings from historic school logbooks, offering fascinating insights into the history of education in Gloucestershire.
These sessions ensured participants could engage independently, confidently, and meaningfully with the archive’s collections.
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to breaking down barriers to heritage and culture. It helps ensure people of all abilities can connect with history and community stories.
Gloucestershire Sight Loss Council continues to champion accessibility through its arts and culture work. By partnering with organisations, it helps ensure everyone can experience and contribute to the county’s rich history.
Yahya, Engagement Manager for the South West with a Specialist Document Restorer at a cutting mat
Would you like to join Gloucestershire and Swindon Sight Loss Council?
We are currently recruiting blind and partially sighted volunteer members living in Swindon. If you want to use your lived experience to help shape local services and influence change, we’d love to hear from you.
Join us to help ensure visually impaired people in your area can live the lives they want to lead.
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Publication date: 16 March 2026