Five of York’s best loved attractions will adapt their experiences to create autism-friendly experiences on Friday 6th October to support the national ‘Autism Hour’ campaign.
The five attractions, including historic Barley Hall, off Stonegate, DIG – Archaeological Adventure on St Saviourgate and, of course, the world-famous JORVIK Viking Centre, will be offering visitors a specially-designed, low-arousal experience tailored to the needs of families and individuals visiting during Autism Hour. This will include turning down the ambient noise across the sites and more specific changes at sites, like JORVIK, with the famous smells of the ride experience being toned down so they are not as strong.
“With the re-imagining of JORVIK we looked very closely at access and made it a key focus in the planning and delivery of the new experience. We aim to make sure that all our visitors, no matter their challenges, are able to enjoy and experience the rich heritage of York with us. This is why we’ve recently introduced a ‘traffic light’ system where visitors who find interactions difficult are able to tell us how they want us to engage with them using the colours of the traffic lights. It is these subtle actions that enable our visitors to enjoy the JORVIK experience as they wish to.”
Commented Natalie Turner, Senior Visitor Services Manager at The JORVIK Group and one of the key people involved in offering accessible experiences at the attractions.
Indeed, it is this ethos that has driven the group to support the National Autistic Society’s upcoming ‘Autism Hour’ campaign in October, where they are encouraging businesses to put one hour out of one day in the month towards offering a quiet space or low-arousal experience to help highlight their ‘Too Much Information’ campaign.
“Any work we can do to improve access is always rewarding, especially when you are sent feedback to say it has helped people enjoy their visit. Being part of Autism Hour will help raise awareness of Autism and hopefully create more understanding to those who don’t face the same challenges.”
Continued Natalie.
The JORVIK Group’s Autism Hour will take place at each of their sites from 4pm on Friday 6th October. Pre-booking is recommended but not essential. Please visit www.thejorvikgroup.com/autismhour for more information or call 01904 615505.
ENDS
Image caption: All of The JORVIK Group’s attractions, including the newly re-imagined JORVIK Viking Centre are taking part in Autism Hour this October. Images can be downloaded here: https://we.tl/1GVWA3lhyd.
Notes to Editors
List of Events Taking Place across The JORVIK Group for Autism Hour:
JORVIK Viking Centre is proud to be supporting National Autism Hour at 4pm on Friday 6th October
We will be offering a low-arousal setting within the centre, including turning down ambient noise in the galleries and the ride experience and toning down the strength of the smells of Viking-age York but still offering our visitors the opportunity to discover, explore and experience the impact of the Vikings throughout their visit.
Pre-booking is recommended but not essential.
Autism Hour at DIG – An Archaeological Adventure
DIG is proud to be supporting National Autism Hour at 4pm on Friday 6th October
We will be offering a low-arousal setting at our hands-on archaeological adventure, including turning down ambient noise but still offering the same great experience where you can DIG deeper into the history of York.
Pre-booking is recommended but not essential.
Autism Hour at Barley Hall
Historic Barley Hall is proud to be supporting National Autism Hour at 4pm on Friday 6th October
We will be offering a low-arousal setting across our medieval townhouse, including turning down ambient noise in the galleries but still offering our visitors the opportunity to experience life as it was in York during the Middle Ages.
Pre-booking is recommended but not essential.
Autism Hour at The Richard III & Henry VII Experiences
The Richard III & Henry VII Experience are proud to be supporting National Autism Hour at 4pm on Friday 6th October
We will be offering a low-arousal setting at both of our Wall experiences, including turning down ambient noise but still offering the same great experience where visitors can explore the impact the last Plantagenet king and first Tudor monarch had on York.
Pre-booking is recommended but not essential.
For more information on National Autism Week please visit www.autism.org.uk/autismweek or use #AutismHour
Media Contact
Paul Whiting
Marketing Manager
01904 543433 / 07432 694176
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