September 2022
As part of our work to make our venues more accessible, we are delighted to offer a host of new resources to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), autism and neurodiversity when visiting the Art Gallery and Rotunda Museum.
Working in collaboration with SEND in Museums and representatives from Yorkshire Coast Families, Woodlands Academy, Springhead School, Closer Communities and Blueberry Academy has been crucial to understand the challenges and anxieties around visiting a museum or gallery.
One parent said:
“It has been amazing to be part of this project and be able to share my knowledge and experience to make the gallery more accessible for families.”
A member of staff from Springhead School shared:
“It was great to be able to influence and support change and that actual young people were consulted and listened to. It’s brilliant to see such positive results and to be able to offer further suggestions and ideas.”
The resource pack which will help support families with SEND members on a visit include:
- A visual story explaining what will happen and what to expect.
– Download the Scarborough Art Gallery Visual Story (PDF)
– Download the Rotunda Museum Visual Story (PDF)
- A sensory map highlighting sensory changes, such as rooms that might be darker or noisier than others.
– Download the Scarborough Art Gallery Sensory Map (PDF)
– Download the Rotunda Museum Sensory Map (PDF)
- Sensory backpacks packed with engaging tools such as puppets, fidget toys and torches to help children feel more relaxed on their visit.
- PECS (picture exchange communication System) boards, which can be borrowed in advance and used to help plan a routine when that is something that supports a child.. Children can attach images to a Velcro board in the order that suits their visit, helping them to know ‘what will happen next’.
- A Borrow Box containing additional items to help support a visit.
