Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has introduced a collaboration with Heritage Interpreters and City Lit College to create a pioneering training programme for deaf-led heritage excursions in British Sign Language (BSL). This initiative goals to deal with the shortage of formal training pathways for BSL tour guides within the English heritage sector.
Following the success of 4 pilot BSL excursions in 2025 and 2026, led by John Wilson, Blenheim Palace is championing the motion to share the nation’s historical past authentically and inclusively. The programme will equip deaf people with the required abilities to guide excursions at main historic websites. Applications will open in April 2026, with the course commencing at Blenheim Palace in September 2026.
Heather Carter, Managing Director of Visitor Attraction at Blenheim Palace, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, “At Blenheim Palace, we are committed to making our attraction and its history as accessible as possible.” She highlighted the demand for BSL information training and the potential for different heritage points of interest to learn from this useful resource.
John Wilson, a deaf BSL Guide and Lecturer, famous the present success of deaf-led BSL excursions throughout the UK, which embrace tales of deaf historical past, tradition, and artwork. He expressed enthusiasm for growing deaf participation and entry within the heritage sector by this partnership.
This collaboration underscores Blenheim Palace’s dedication to social duty and management in cultural heritage, guaranteeing that shared historical past is accessible to all. For extra data, go to Heritage Interpreters and City Lit’s web sites
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