Second Relaxed Opening Event To Take Place at York Castle Museum This October

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Second Relaxed Opening Event To Take Place at York Castle Museum This October

5 October 2016

York Castle Museum recently welcomed members of the local branch of the National Autistic Society who delivered an Understanding Autism Talk as part of the charity’s ‘Too Much Information’ campaign in advance of the museum’s next Relaxed Opening on Sunday 16th October 2016.

From 9:30am to 11:30am, the noises and sound effects will be turned off and all the main lights will be put on so there will be no dark areas or sudden sounds. There will also be a ‘break out’ area should visitors need it.
Costumed guides will still be on the recreated Victorian street, Kirkgate, and the films will be shown York Castle Prison but there will be warnings given about when these will start.

The Relaxed Opening is also suitable for those with visual impairment or who suffer from dementia.

Sarah Mortimer, assistant curator of learning and leader of York Museum Trust’s access team, said:

“Recently, members of the National Autistic Society’s North Yorkshire Central branch came in to deliver an Understanding Autism Talk as part of the charity’s ‘Too Much Information’ campaign, and told us a bit more about how we could adapt what we do to make sure autistic people and their families don’t feel overwhelmed.

“York Castle Museum can be loud and busy at times, so from 9:30am- 11:30am on Sunday 16th October, we will change the conditions of the building as advised by the National Autistic Society and the other groups we have been working with create a less overwhelming environment.

“We want to make our sites as accessible and enjoyable as possible to all those who wish to visit and hope to run these events once a month; please look out on our website for other such opportunities.”

Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society, said:

“We launched our ‘Too Much Information’ campaign in April 2016 because we found out that a lack of understanding of autism was leaving autistic people and their families isolated.

“We know that local communities and the public want to be understanding to autistic people, but they often just don’t ‘see’ the autism. Instead they might see a ‘strange’ man pacing back and forth in a shopping centre, or a ‘naughty’ girl having a tantrum on a bus, and don’t realise that this person might be autistic and experiencing ‘too much information’.

“Understanding Autism Talks are one of the ways we’re helping local leisure and community facilities and business find out a little bit more about autism, what might cause someone to experience ‘too much information’, and how to help when this happens. And we’re delighted that York Museums Trust are taking the time to find out more about autism from their local branch.

“A little understanding could be transformative for autistic people and their families, allowing them to go to museums, shops, cinemas, and work in the way other people take for granted.”

Many of York Castle Museum’s staff now understand more about what it means to be on the autism spectrum and how autistic visitors may be affected by their surroundings. Members of the access team will also be on hand to help and answer any questions.

The Relaxed Opening is free for anyone with autism, dementia and other related issues and for their carer. Anyone else attending with the group will pay £5 (the Access admission price).

For those who would like to know more about what they can expect to see at the museum you can find visual stories available here. For further information please email enquiries@ymt.org.uk or phone 01904 687687.