VIAS to Deliver Accessibility Research Project for The Hunterian

Values Into Action Scotland has been commissioned by The Hunterian at the University of Glasgow to deliver an accessibility research project as part of the wider ‘Unlocking the Potential of The Hunterian: The Changing Museum’ project.

Building on existing work, Values into Action Scotland will provide data and insights to support the crucial project, which will pave the way for a redevelopment of The Hunterian.

The Hunterian is Scotland’s oldest public museum, with collections spanning arts, sciences and humanities. Today The Hunterian is committed to becoming a more meaningful place for more diverse audiences.

Established in 2007, Values Into Action Scotland (VIAS) promotes rights, choice, and control for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. It believes in a Scotland where disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else and are supported to achieve their goals.
Their mission is to provide quality support and services to create a world that is inclusive for all.

Working with The Hunterian, VIAS will coordinate a programme of research and engagement activity that will explore barriers to access and build relationships that will inform the future development of Hunterian spaces, interpretation and programming. This work is being supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Norma Curran, CEO of VIAS said:

“We are delighted to have been commissioned to do this piece of work in this prestigious establishment. Throughout much of history, disabled people have been marginalized, viewed as a burden, and denied full participation in society.

In the past and still today, most social research is conducted without the input of disabled people. We have a diverse staff team and our approach to research is fully inclusive. We are excited to be able to show The Hunterian the richness that this approach brings to our work.”

Working with VIAS will enable The Hunterian to better understand the barriers that stop people with disabilities from accessing its collections and venues. This vital research and consultation will help to shape the future development of The Hunterian venues, collections interpretation and physical and digital content.

The accessibility research project will run for six months, from May until November 2025.

‘Unlocking the Potential of The Hunterian: The Changing Museum’ runs throughout 2025. The findings will be made available in Spring 2026.