PAMIS (Promoting a more inclusive society) has been awarded £56,900 by the Heritage Lottery Fund to work with four heritage sites in Scotland to improve intellectual access for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).  PAMIS will be working with Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, HMS Unicorn in Dundee, The Peter Pan Moat Brae trust in Dumfries and National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh on this project to increase social inclusion and offer lifelong learning opportunities by developing multi-sensory storytelling resources. This project will increase awareness and understanding of people with PMLD and will demonstrate the opportunities that exist for meaningful engagement with heritage for children and adults.  The charity hopes that, with 185 Changing Places toilets now available in Scotland, some of them in museums, this improvement in the physical environment can be followed by improved intellectual access to people with PMLD.

Maureen Phillip, Senior Director of Family Services at PAMIS:

We are delighted to receive this award and excited to begin this project which will open up our communities for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and those who care for them. There will be more opportunities for meaningful activities and this will improve the quality of life for everyone.

Riona McMorrow, Acting Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said:

“Our heritage has something to offer everyone whether its discovering new interests, learning new skills or making new friendships. We are delighted that thanks to players of The National Lottery, PAMIS is opening the door to the past so that many more people can experience the joy and learning that it brings.”