Project: Digital Explorations
General Fund: £5,000
Digital Explorations was a large-scale project run by National Paralympic Heritage Trust (NPHT) which saw them engage with young people from disabled communities to research objects from the Paralympic collections and archives.
Through a series of professional training sessions and historical research work experience, the group recruited disabled individuals from across Buckinghamshire to build skills in digital 3D object scanning, photogrammetry and editing, to record objects and their stories. The group meticulously captured over 60 museum artefacts that were previously uncatalogued and too delicate to handle. Thanks to the training and work experience these individuals received, many have now gone on to take paid roles within the group, sharing their new skills with students in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Schools across Buckinghamshire.
The Digital Explorations project has empowered NPHT to construct a cutting-edge virtual museum, leveraging the advanced 3D scanning techniques executed by talented young disabled individuals from Buckinghamshire. The resulting virtual museum not only preserves invaluable Paralympic heritage but also fosters greater accessibility for disabled individuals, young people, and researchers.
This project also saw NPHT be the recipient of the Digital Innovation Award at the prestigious Buckinghamshire Business Awards. The winners were announced at a glittering ceremony held on Thursday 21st September, celebrating excellence in business innovation and community impact. NPHT’s remarkable achievement as one of the top three finalists underscores the invaluable contribution of charities to the local economy and highlights the far-reaching impact of digital innovation, extending well beyond the tech sector.
Victoria Hope-Walker, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Paralympic Heritage Trust said:
Winning the Digital Innovation Award at the Buckinghamshire Business Awards for our Digital Explorations project is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of our team. It is truly an honour to be recognized for our efforts in advancing accessibility, preserving Paralympic history, and fostering innovation as a charity. This award inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and championing inclusivity through digital initiatives.
To find out more about the Digital Explorations project and to view the virtual museum, click here.
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