For many people, going for a day out at a tourist attraction is a thought that fills people with excitement. But for people with autism, the idea of going somewhere new can fill them with a sense of dread and nervousness.
For the first time ever, National Trust sites Botallack, Levant Mine and Godolphin in Cornwall have created ‘Visual Stories’. Just in time for Autistic Pride Day, these guides help give people with autism advance information so they can prepare for changes before their visit.
The stories have been created in partnership with Heritage Ability. Heritage Ability is creating many accessible products for over 20 unique attractions across the South West, from historic houses to castles, country parks and dramatic coastlines. The products will improve access for people with learning disabilities, autism, visual impairments, limited mobility and people who use British Sign Language. They have all been created in collaboration by people with lived experience.
Kate Evans, Visitor Experience Officer at Godolphin, said: “We’re delighted to now have this handy document available on our website for visitors to use. We want our visitors to have a fantastic, stress free day when they visit and this great tool, combined with our Disability Awareness training will help us to give them a great day out.”
Heritage Ability is part of a local charity Living Options Devon. Over 52% of its staff and volunteers have lived experience of a disability, so lead on and support the creation of products with the user in mind. Each of the sites in the network will also benefit from Disability and Deaf Awareness training.
Maryann Soper, Project Manager at Heritage Ability, said: “To make sure we manage the expectations of all our visitors, we gather feedback about our products from users. We’ve worked closely with a parent of an autistic child and a group of people with lived experience. We know that accessibility matters, and so do the people working hard to make a difference like at the Tin Coast and Godolphin. However, the project has been recognised nationally and we’re a finalist in the National Lottery Awards! We’re hoping that accessibility also matters to the general public and they will put their weight behind this!”
To find out about the other accessible solutions that Heritage Ability are introducing at these places visit http://www.heritageability.org
To vote for the project in the National Lottery Awards, visit http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/project/heritage-ability or call 0844 836 9700. You can also vote for the project by using simply Tweeting using the hashtag #NLAHeritageAbility.
For more information about the project, contact Jessica Holroyd, Engagement and Communications Officer at [email protected] or on 01392 459222.