Accessibility: Access Advisory Panel
3 minutes reading time.
At the Roman Army Museum, we believe archaeology and history is for everyone.
Our friendly staff are always on hand to provide support and ensure you have the best visit possible. If you would like any more information, please contact us on info@vindolanda.com FAO ‘Accessibility’
We are inviting people with lived experience of disability to find out more about a new Access Advisory Panel being set up at the Roman Army Museum, as part of the Vindolanda Trust’s Magna Project.
Access Advisory Panel
Who Are We Looking For?
We’re forming an Access Advisory Forum as part of the Magna Project, which aims to bring new and diverse voices into the heart of the Vindolanda Trust’s work. This advisory group will help shape how we welcome and support disabled visitors at the Roman Army Museum.
We’re especially looking for:
- 4 – 6 people who have lived experience of disabilities including, but not limited to, neurodivergence, visual impairment, d/Deaf community, mental health issues, and wheelchair users.
You must be:
- Aged 18 or older
- Able to travel to the Roman Army Museum 5 times between October 2026 – October 2027 (we will cover travel expenses up to £15 per session)
- Have lived experience of disability.
What Skills Do You Need?
- Able to listen and work well with others.
- Be a critical friend.
- Willing to speak up in meetings and represent the views of your community.
- Be committed to making meaningful change over the next 12 months.
What Will the Group Do?
Together, we will:
- Review the visitor experience and museum resources at the Roman Army Museum.
- Help design an accessible Visitor Toolkit Station.
- Develop a report with suggestions to make the museum more inclusive and accessible.
- Test technology, including platform Welco-Me.
- Explore ways to welcome more disabled visitors to our site and events.
This is not tied to an exhibition or event. It’s about shaping long-term access and inclusion at the Roman Army Museum.
What’s Involved?
- 5 in person meetings over 15 months (2 in 2026 and 3 in 2027)
- All meetings include lunch and refreshments.
- We’ll take regular breaks and create a group agreement together to make sure everyone feels comfortable.
Meetings will be held in our Activity Centre at the Roman Army Museum, with support for different communication needs. We will cover travel expenses (up to £15 per session) and offer other support, like easy-read documents and visual guides.
What Will You Get?
- A real chance to make a difference for disabled visitors.
- Meet and work with new people in a supportive, fun, and inclusive environment.
- Influence how we communicate with and welcome disabled visitors now and in the future.
Interested? Join our Introduction Meeting
We are holding an informal 45-minute virtual meeting to introduce the Access Advisory Panel. It’s a chance to find out:
- What the panel involves
- What would be expected of members
- Expenses and payment for taking part
- How often the panel would meet and where
- What the panel would be working on
It’s also an opportunity to meet Sophie Westlake, the member of staff at the Vindolanda Trust coordinating the panel, and to ask any questions you may have.
This is an informal session. You are welcome to join for the presentation and email or phone in any questions afterwards, or to stay on for the open floor discussion.
Further Information
Contact Sophie Westlake, Activity and Diversity Officer: The Magna Project
Email: sophiewestlake@vindolanda.com
Phone: 01434 344277
