Congratulations LWWRC affiliate Siobhan Grant!

Siobhan Grant worked as the dedicated Project Coordinator of the Canadian Feminist Disability Coalition (CFDC) with the University of Guelph from November 2021 to April 2024. In her role, Siobhan provided invaluable support to women and girls with disabilities in Canada as they worked to become advocates and agents for their own rights. In 2024, after overseeing the transfer of the CFDC project to the Disabled Women’s Network of Canada (DAWN Canada) under a new name—the Hummingbird Feminist Disability Coalition—Siobhan turned to focus more on her studies.  

In June 2025, Siobhan successfully completed her master’s in European Studies at the University of Guelph. Siobhan’s major research paper, “The Challenges and Opportunities in Improving Physical Access to Cultural Heritage: Case Studies of Claude Monet’s House and Gardens, France, and the Villa Medici di Petraia, Italy,” focused on the physical accessibility barriers of historic sites in France and Italy. Check out the abstract for her paper below! 

Abstract 

Cultural heritage sites play a critical role in preserving cultural identity and memory, yet physical access to these spaces remains unequal. Despite policy developments and growing recognition of cultural rights, many people with disabilities continue to face exclusion. This research examines the key barriers to improving physical accessibility at cultural heritage sites, drawing on existing literature and applying its insights to two case studies: Claude Monet’s House and Gardens in France, and the Villa Medici di Petraia in Italy. These barriers include structural limitations stemming from the original function of historic buildings, financial constraints, and weak policy enforcement. While awareness of accessibility issues is increasing, meaningful and practical inclusion remains limited. The review also identifies emerging opportunities for more inclusive design and policy approaches that seek to balance accessibility with heritage preservation. Findings suggest that progress depends on a collaborative approach to heritage management, one that includes the direct participation of people with disabilities at all stages of planning and decision-making. This must be supported by sustainable financial strategies, the enforcement of updated accessibility standards within conservation practices, and the adoption of Universal Design principles to ensure that heritage sites are accessible to visitors with physical disabilities. 

Further Resources 

If you’re interested in accessing a full copy of Siobhan’s paper, please reach out to the Centre via email. To learn more about the work that Siobhan did with the Centre, check out this interview: Announcing the Canadian Feminist Coalition.