RichardHunter THINKINGDIFFERENTLY
About the author:
RichardHunter
Richard Hunter is a man who refuses to let physical disability stand in his way. With determination and a unique perspective, he actively works to improve his community by advocating for accessibility and inclusion.
Drawing from his personal experiences, Richard offers invaluable insights to local businesses, officials, and community members, inspiring change and raising awareness about the importance of disability rights.
His journey has been shaped by the Percy Hedley Foundation, an organization that has supported him throughout his life. Passionate about giving back, Richard highlights the incredible work Percy Hedley does, celebrating their commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities.
GrowingTomorrow’sLeaders:Nurturing ResponsibilityandLeadership
The Police Cadets program is a great example of how Percy Hedley goes beyond regular classroom learning. Percy Hadley service users become the first disabled young people in Northumbria Police Cadets. This program helps service users take responsibility for their community by working with local police officers. The service users learn important skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership, while also helping to make the community safer. Winning these two big awards proves just how much of a positive impact the program is having.
Not only do the service users benefit from the program, but the whole community does too. The police officers who work with the cadets are impressed with how dedicated and enthusiastic the service users are. The local community has also noticed how these young leaders are helping to bring about positive changes.
GrowingTomorrow’sLeaders:Percy Hedley’sImpactfulPrograms
Percy Hedley has always been an important part of the local community, offering creative programs and life-changing opportunities for service users. Our efforts were recently recognised when its Police Cadets program won two awards:
the Natspec Curriculum Innovation Award and the Innovator of the Year Award. These awards show how Percy Hedley not only helps its service users but also works hard to improve the community for future generations.
FosteringInclusion:ServiceUser InitiativesintheCommunity
In addition to the Police Cadets program, Percy Hedley focuses on making the world more inclusive and accessible for everyone. One service user initiative recently created easy-to-read menus for a local café, making sure that people with different abilities could use them easily. This small but thoughtful project helps people feel welcome and included.
This kind of work shows our commitment to teaching service users how to make real-world contributions. By encouraging service users to solve problems and think creatively, Percy Hedley helps make the world a better place for everyone.
LookingForward:Expanding OpportunitiesforGrowthandImpact
At Percy Hedley, growth is always on the mind. We are proud of our achievements, but we want to do even more to help the community. The leadership team is looking for new ways to engage service users in projects that benefit everyone, such as working with local businesses, getting involved in environmental initiatives, and expanding the Police Cadets program even further.
Percy Hedley believes that education can turn people into powerful changemakers. By encouraging service users to look beyond their personal goals and think about how they can positively impact the world, Percy Hedley is building a brighter future for both its service users and the community.
AbrighterTomorrow:BuildingaBetter
Futureforall
Percy Hedley has always shown a strong commitment to improving the lives of its service users and the wider community. Through programs like the Police Cadets and service user-led projects that promote inclusion, we are making a real difference. As they look to the future, Percy Hedley is excited to do even more, preparing service users not just for their careers but also to make the world a better place for everyone.
The Great North Run (GNR) is not just a famous race, it’s a chance for people to come together and do something good. This year, Percy Hedley took part in the run to raise money and show their support for the amazing work the charity does.
This year, 25 staff members participated in the Great North Run on behalf of the Percy Hedley Foundation, showcasing their dedication to the cause. The Percy Hedley staff who ran the race showed just how much they care about the people they work with every day. Whether they had trained for months or were new to running, they all took on the 13.1-mile challenge to raise money for a cause they believe in. Their efforts prove how committed they are to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
While the final amount raised is still being calculated as fundraising continues through October, the team is hopeful to exceed the £22,000 raised in 2023. Once all the fundraising pages are closed, the final total will be confirmed, but each contribution will go directly towards supporting the charity’s essential services. The money raised will help fund the specialised education therapy, and care
By running the GNR, the Percy Hedley staff didn’t just show their athletic ability they showed their deep belief in the charity’s mission. Their dedication to raising money highlights how passionate they are about helping people with disabilities live their best lives.
In the end, the Percy Hedley staff and their supporters have shown that when you believe in something, you can go the distance to make a real impact.
NexusLearningCentreinSouthShields
I took part in an accessibility review for the new Nexus Metro fleet, visiting a learning centre to provide feedback on improving the design for accessibility.
MakingAccessibilityaPriorityin theNortheast:
PercyHedleyFoundation’s InvolvementinCreatingInclusiveSpaces
Over the past year, I have had the privilege of working with the Hedleys Beyond Team, part of The Percy Hedley Foundation, to conduct accessibility audits at various venues across the northeast.
These audits are in line with the reasonable adjustments criteria of the Equality Act 2010, ensuring that public spaces are accessible for everyone, regardless of physical ability or learning disability.
One of the most exciting projects we’ve been involved with recently is the collaboration with Nexus. On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, students from Percy Hedley College, along with members of our Horizons adult services and staff from the Foundation, were invited to the Nexus Learning Centre in South Shields. We had the opportunity to review the accessibility features of the new Metro fleet, set to launch later in 2024. Our team assessed key aspects such as platform-to-train access, wheelchair space availability, and the overall design of the train to nsure it accommodates all passengers, regardless of mobility or sensory needs.
The feedback we received from Nexus following our visit has been overwhelmingly positive. They have expressed a keen interest in working with us on future projects to ensure inclusivity in their services. Richard, a member of our adult services team, described the experience as a "privilege" and was thrilled to be part of an initiative that prioritizes accessibility before the fleet’s public launch. He extended his thanks to Nexus for making the visit possible, adding that this new design will empower many more people to travel independently.
Riding the Rails of Inclusion:
The Hedley's Beyond Team has been busy making the Northeast more accessible, completing audits in line with the Equity Act 2010 at various venues.
Recently, they were invited to the Nexus Learning Centre in South Shields to check out the soon-to-be-launched metro fleet!
The team assessed everything from platform access to spaciousness and designated wheelchair areas, ensuring the new fleet is accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability or learning disability.
Nexus Depot's feedback was glowing, and they're eager to collaborate with Percy Hedley on future projects to keep things inclusive.
This new metro design will enable so many more people to travel independently. Big thanks to Nexus and Tyne & Wear Metro for paving the way for more inclusive travel!
Richard from Percy Hedley's adult services summed it up perfectly: "It was a privilege to be invited by Nexus to ensure the new fleet is accessible before its public release. Thanks to everyone for making this visit possible."
A Powerchair User's Experience withNexus'sNewBusModels:
On October 18, 2024, we visited Heworth Interchange to explore Nexus's new bus fleet, which included two models designed for accessibility.
Richard, a powerchair user, tested both buses. While he managed to board each one, he encountered notable challenges. The older bus had a ramp, but the turn from the ramp into the bus was tight, requiring Richard several attempts to maneuver his chair. Once inside, he positioned himself facing backward, as instructed, but there was only one designated space for a wheelchair user. He was able to turn his chair in the aisle for a smooth exit.
The newer bus, while slightly wider, still posed difficulties. It featured two opposite disabled bays, but they were shorter than those on the older model, making it harder for Richard to settle in. Additionally, he found that the safety bar meant to secure wheelchair users was too short. Jamie from Nexus appreciated Richard’s feedback, emphasizing its importance for improving accessibility. The visit highlighted the need for continued dialogue to ensure the buses effectively meet the needs of all users, particularly those with mobility challenges.
beneficial. The group also discussed creating 'easy read' guides and recent accessibility audits at various TWAM locations. Looking ahead, Helen announced a temporary pause on new volunteer applications. This allows TWAM to focus on refining existing processes, particularly around role descriptors, which need simplification. The group will review these documents in their next meeting.
Sam, the staff coordinator at Percy Hedley’s Beyond Work Experience Team, proposed a QR code for visitors to scan upon leaving, linking to a survey about their accessibility experience. This aligns with Helen’s commitment to continuous improvement.
Helen also proposed a 'buddy' system for new volunteers, pairing them with experienced counterparts, and is seeking funding for this initiative. Additionally, TWAM will take over the management of Northumberland Museums, broadening its regional influence. The meeting concluded with discussions on enhancements for the 'Nooks' seen at the Great North –Hancock Museum, emphasizing TWAM’s dedication to creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for all.
TyneandWearArchiveandMuseums SteeringGroup
I work with a team to create inclusive strategies aimed at improving volunteer participation and promoting diversity within the organization.
The Hedleys Beyond Team Collaborates with Tyne & Wear Archives&Museums
In addition to our work with Nexus, the Hedleys Beyond Team has been collaborating with Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM) to advocate for more inclusive environments. In partnership with members of Autism Able from South Shields, we’ve been working with venues
such as the Great North Museum, the Discovery Museum, the Shipley Art Gallery, and the Laing Art Gallery. Our role is to provide feedback on their exhibitions, ensuring they cater to visitors with different physical and sensory needs.
TransformingSpaces:
HedleysBeyondandTWAMPioneerInclusiveMuseum
HedleysBeyondandTWAMPioneerInclusiveMuseum
Experiences
Experiences
The dynamic Hedleys Beyond team has been collaborating with TWAM (Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums) and members of Autism Able from South Shields to champion accessibility and brainstorm ways to create inclusive environments for everyone.
The team has been actively conducting accessibility audits at various venues, including the Great North Museum, the Discovery Museum, the Shipley Art Gallery, and the Laing Art Gallery. They're invited to engage with new exhibitions and provide their valuable insights.
Examples of their positive feedback include suggestions like adjusting audio levels for those with sensory differences, enlarging signage and positioning it at accessible heights for people of short stature, and ensuring ample space for individuals with diverse learning abilities and sensory needs. Their efforts are making these cultural spaces welcoming for all!
Their efforts are making these cultural spaces welcoming for all!
For example, we’ve recommended adjustments like lowering audio levels for those with sensory impairments, increasing the size of signage for better visibility, and ensuring exhibits provide adequate space for people with varying learning abilities and mobility challenges. These small changes can have a significant impact on making cultural spaces welcoming for all.
The Percy Hedley Foundation’s ongoing efforts, through projects like these, are helping to ensure that accessibility becomes the standard in public spaces throughout the northeast. We’re proud to be part of this important movement toward inclusivity.
Updates from Helen:
Autism Accessibility Award: TWAM recently achieved a silver award from the NE Autism Society. They aim to secure the gold award by implementing good practices across all sites.
Feedback and Inclusion: Helen ensures feedback from steering group meetings is passed on to relevant staff. She affirmed TWAM’s commitment to adapting based on these suggestions.
Community Engagement: Helen attended volunteer center meetings, noting a positive emphasis on inclusion and accessible language. Specific speakers discussed the importance of respectful language and demonstrated tools like the braille alphabet.
Accessibility Achievements: Helen reviewed the group's past accomplishments, including volunteer bags for comfort, easy-read guides, and accessibility audits. A suggestion to track volunteer bag usage was positively received.
Volunteer Application Pause: Due to high application volumes, TWAM is temporarily suspending new volunteer intake to focus on refining aspects like concise role descriptions, which the group will review.
Accessibility Ideas: Sam proposed a QR code for visitor feedback on accessibility, which was well-received.
Website Improvements: TWAM's website will be redesigned with accessibility enhancements, like customizable background colors.
Buddy System: Plans for a buddy system to pair new volunteers with experienced ones are in place, pending funding.
Staff Involvement: Helen will invite TWAM team members to future meetings to explain their roles.
New Museum Management: TWAM is set to manage Northumberland Museums.
Nooks Feedback: The group discussed "Nooks" (sensory-friendly spaces) seen at the Hancock Museum, suggesting possible improvements like dimmable lighting if TWAM acquires its own. The meeting focused on enhancing accessibility, refining volunteer support, and fostering an inclusive environment across TWAM’s museums and initiatives.
TWAM
– Steering Group Notes – 19/12/24
(Richard was the only participant at this meeting.)
The group were asked to look at the ‘Charge’ exhibition in the Discovery Museum by the exhibition’s curator. The points we fed back on:
· Good signage – but no braille
· Spacious – enough room for wheelchairs to easily manoeuvre
· Individual exhibit information signs – we could read it but thought it may be helpful if some of the bigger exhibit stations had an audio push button to help those who are visually impaired or if English isn’t their first language.
· The lighting above some of the displays was too dark and some of the spotlights on some displays too bright.
· The ‘Strike up the band’ exhibit was very quiet – hard to hear when there were classes of children in the area
· Richard was able to get his powerchair up and under the tabletop displays as his chair could tilt. Others may find it more difficult.
· We found the colour contrast of the displays fine.
· We liked the area which had the three big screens which were showing the videos, and especially liked how one of the screens had a BSL interpreter in the corner; however, we weren’t sure why there was an option to turn this off. We felt that if someone had turned it off then it wasn’t obvious that there was an option to turn it back on. As the three screens all showed the same videos, having one permanently with BSL on wasn’t an issue.
This information was fed back to Helen and the Exhibitions curator who thanked us for our feedback and said they’d look at what changes they could make from what we suggested. The next steering group meeting is on Thursday 23rd January 2025, 10:30 – 11:30am at the Great North Museum Hancock.
Elina asked us to look at the ‘Explore’ exhibition and give feedback. Our areas for improvement are:
• Perspex display cabinet with holes in with gloves which will allow people to touch the artifacts.
• A push button at the information signs to read the information to people.
• The drawers contacting artifacts were a bit too low and the lighting above them wasn’t good.
• Easy read cards at the side of displays would be beneficial. Less words, more pictures.
• Angle the road display more so people in wheelchairs can see it.
Present: Helen Russell - North East Museum’s, Sarah & Helen – Museum Volunteers, Richard H – Horizons, Katie C – PHS, Owen T – PHS, Ayesha Clement – Horizons, Andrew Walker – PHS, Alex – Horizons, Samantha Watson – Hedleys Beyond
· Helen apologized for the last-minute change of venue. We were supposed to meet at the Laing Art Gallery; however, she was unsure the lift would accommodate the power-chair users of the group, so decided to hold the meeting back at the Discovery Museum. The Laing Art Gallery had wanted us to look at a new sensory map they are developing. We will do this at The Hatton Gallery during another meeting.
· Helen advised us that she has fed back her concerns about the lift at the Laing, to the facilities team there; however, it is an old building, and they are limited with what that they are able to do. Once the big service lift is working, we should be able to visit. Sam suggested that if any of our students or service users were ever in town on community days, they could go into the Laing to see if they can use the lift and report back.
· Helen advised that she’s sent the notes of our last meeting at the Hatton to the gallery team.
· Helen gave us some feedback from Bobbi who we met back in December, who is the curator of the ‘Charge’ exhibition at the Discovery Museum. She has taken on board our suggestions and the following changes will be made:
o The large film screen at the end of the exhibition will now all have a BSL translator in the bottom corner which can’t be turned off.
o The headphone stand will be redesigned.
o They are going to design some talking labels. They have discussed using NaviLens QR codes, but they are expensive, so the museum may design their own.
o The museum is applying for a grant which if successful would fund the talking labels and other interactive audio which is needed.
o Helen said if they were successful in their funding bid for the grant, they would be looking for volunteers to help with the talking labels project.
Autism Able are struggling to attend the group, therefore Helen is looking to build the numbers back up. She asked the group where they thought she should advertise the roles; should she put a general ad out or target specific organisations. Helen and Sam both suggested Disability North may be a good starting point. Sam will contact two people she knows there and ask if she can pass their details onto Helen.
·
· Helen mentioned they had recently had some staff training at the Hatton Gallery which was delivered by ‘We are all Disabled’. We Are All Disabled | Exploring Perceptions of Disability They support the ‘affirmative’ disability model, and suggested we look at their website.
· For the benefit of our newest steering group members, Helen spoke about what the group has achieved so far:
o Easy Read guides to the following policies have been created:
§ Guide to Induction
§ Health & Safety Policy
§ Safeguarding Policy
§ Volunteer Policy
§ Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
Helen did stress that the Easy Reads are guides to the above policies, the whole policies have not been re-written in easy read format.
o North East Museums now have over 700 volunteers in their system.
o North East Museums have recently changed their name to reflect that they have acquired three museums in Northumberland:
§ Woodhorn Colliery
§ Hexham Old Jail
§ Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum
·
A lady called Sarah who looks after the museum’s website would like to get our opinions on the site. This will be arranged for a future meeting.
· Helen would like us to look at the All In website. Home - All In They are an organisation who want to improve accessibility and remove barriers to help cultural venues attract those with disabilities. Helen has asked our opinion as to whether we think it is something they should pay to subscribe to. It would be great if everyone could look at this site and give feedback on their thoughts at the next meeting.
· Helen fed back about the recent Volunteer Day for SEND schools at Hancock. Unfortunately, no one visited their stand; however, the event was successful in other ways.
· Future visits were discussed:
o We hope to meet with Elana from the Hancock to see how far they have got with the changes to the ‘Explore’ exhibition that we suggested.
o Sarah and Helen, suggested we visit the Natural History Library Collection at the Hancock, which everyone agreed we’d love to see.
o Segedunum – they are still having works done. Once it’s properly open Helen will look to arrange a visit for us.
o Stephenson’s Railway Museum – they are only open on a Thursday during the summer holidays when we don’t meet. It was suggested we could schedule a meeting in and whoever was available to come could come.
o We discussed the possibility of going back to South Shields Museum too at some point.
o North East Museums are working towards the North East’s Autism Society’s Gold Award, having already secured the Silver Award. To be awarded gold, the pockets of good practice within the museum’s service would have to be rolled out across all locations.
· Next meeting – due to our next meeting falling within the Easter holidays we discussed meeting on Thursday 1st May and Thursday 22nd. The session on the first could be used to get the feedback from Bobbi about the ‘Charge’ exhibition, and those that couldn’t join us in person could join via Teams. Helen will advise us of the exact dates nearer the time.
North East Museums – Steering Group Meeting –
01/05/25
This meeting was held on Teams at the request of a staff member from the museum. Present: Helen R (NE Museums) , Alina (North East Museums), Helen (Museum volunteer), Sarah (museum volunteer), Richard H (Horizons), Katie C (PHS), Ayesha (Horizons – WEX Coordinator), Zoey (PHS staff), Sam (Hedleys Beyond).
Alina from the Hancock Museum updated us on the progress that has been made in the Explore exhibition which we visited earlier in the year and gave feedback on. They have recruited an external designer to work with them to redesign the space, this includes:
· Text for signage
· Colours for the display cabinet. A question was raised about the viewing circles in the cases; it needs to be at a height which is suitable for all including wheelchair users. Sam will get eyeline heights from several wheelchair users at PHS and Horizons and feed them back to Alina so they can ensure they get this right.
· Space has been provided at the display counters to ensure wheelchair users can get as close as possible.
· There will be a rock art display on one of the counter tops.
· There will be a flipbook with a timeline of the museum.
· There will be an audio sound booth with various recordings in.
· The object drawers will still be there, but they will be much clearer.
· There will be a new reflective space for visitors to sit and think about the exhibition and give their feedback via cards which they can post in a letterbox. There will also be enough room in this space to accommodate 1-2 wheelchairs.
· RH asked if the book could be digitized. This opened up a conversation about how best to do this this. Alina is going to speak to the team that have responsibility for the website to see if they can do anything with a QR code which would link the book onto the website.
· The Explore exhibition will reopen to the public on 13th June.
· Helen also advised us that she has been invited to talk again at the Gatehead Volunteer Centre’s annual event this year and will be talking about the successful partnership between the museum and Percy Hedley and the work we have done.
Next meetings:
· Thursday 15th May at the Discovery Museum – 10:30 – 11:30am. Those wanting to attend virtually will be able to do so. Sarah from their comms team will be talking to us about changes they plan to make to their website.
· Thursday 19th June at the Hatton Gallery – 10:30 – 11:30am. This meeting will be to look at a sensory map for the Laing Art Gallery.
North East Museums – Steering Group Meeting – 15/05/25
This meeting was at the Discovery Museum. Present: Helen R (NE Museums), Sarah Y (North East Museums), Helen (Museum volunteer), Sarah (museum volunteer), Richard H (Horizons- joined via Teams), Katie C (PHS), Ayesha (Horizons – WEX Coordinator – joined via Teams), Louise (PHS staff), Sam (Hedleys Beyond).
Update: Helen updated the group to let them know that Bobbi, who is in charge of the Charge exhibition at the Discovery Museum, has been successful in a funding bid which has resulted in the museum being able to offer a volunteer role which will be attached to that exhibition. Helen will give us more details when she has them.
Meeting: Sarah, Digital Producer for North East Museums, asked to meet with the group to get their opinion on their website. Sarah told us that the site was being developed after the rebrand and showed us the changes that have been made so far. There are 12 different websites, one for each museum, a school’s website and a corporate website. The plan is to pull them all together under one umbrella site.
Sarah told us they are working with a company called Accessible by Design. Helen showed Sarah the Percy Hedley Foundation’s website and how there are different options users can use like, seizure friendly, ADHD etc.
Sarah asked the group to look at the website when back at school and Horizons and to feedback to her any suggestions.
Next meetings:
· Thursday 19th June at the Hatton Gallery – 10:30 – 11:30am. This will be an inperson meeting. However, Helen is going to look at the possibility of sending Richard a copy of the sensory map the group will be looking at. Sam has asked about the possibility of the meeting being shared on Teams for Richard so Richard can join; Helen is going to look into how she could make this happen, can’t guarantee it will.
· There will be no meetings in July & August
· September – Helen would like the group to meet at Woodhorn. She will confirm this nearer the time.
North East Museums – Steering Group Meeting – 18/09/25
This meeting was at the Discovery Museum.
Present: Helen R (NE Museums), Bobbi (North East Museums), Sarah (museum volunteer), Richard H (Horizons), Harrison (College), Arthur (college), Karen (College WEX Coordinator), Kim ( Horizons Media Tutor), Sam (Hedley’s Beyond).
Update: Helen welcomed us back after the summer break and updated us on the work they are doing toward the NE Autism Gold Award. They have partnered with Newcastle University who have looked at NE Museums website offer and have made suggestions as to what they can do to make the site more accessible. Helen said the feedback was for things they were already aware of and knew needed working on. Bobbi let us know that after our initial visit to the Charge Exhibition last December, they have taken onboard our suggestions with regards to BSL being on all the screens instead of having to push a button to activate it.
Helen also mentioned they are seeking external bids and would like to partner with us to see what support we can offer. She will reach out to Sam and arrange for a meeting with her and her manager.
Meeting: After a successful bid application by Bobbi for the Charge Exhibition, we were invited back to revisit the exhibition to specifically give suggestions as to how best use the funds to develop the Talking Labels project. Bobbi wanted our opinions on what artifacts in each display case should be chosen to be spoken about. The group’s overall opinion was it would be good to have a brief overview of the whole case and for Bobbi to select one item that either was historically significant, or had a more unusual, personal story to it, like the photograph of the cat. Bobbi was delighted with the feedback and agreed with our findings. The group also fed back that the Drill Sergeant who shouts instructions was a bit overwhelming and loud and should have an on/off feature instead of it being triggered when people are close by, as it gave most of us a bit of a shock.