FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
AUTISM ALLIANCE OF MICHIGAN TO PARTNER WITH LOCAL ATTRACTIONS TO OFFER SENSORY FRIENDLY SATURDAYS THROUGHOUT APRIL
Southfield, Michigan (April 12, 2016) — The Autism Alliance of Michigan is teaming up with local museums and attractions to offer sensory friendly experiences for families and individuals on the autism spectrum during the month of April for National Autism Awareness Month.
Special events, accommodations, and activities will be offered on the following dates and locations:
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April 16th, 11 AM-3 PM, Detroit Institute of Arts (5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202)
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April 23rd, 10 AM-6 PM, Michigan Science Center (5020 John R St, Detroit, MI 48202)
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April 30th, 9:30 AM-5 PM, Day Out with Thomas at Greenfield Village (20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124)
In 2014 The Michigan Science Center hosted their first sensory friendly event with the Color of Autism Foundation. Continuing with their tradition, the Michigan Science Center and local partner venues have added Sensory Friendly Saturdays with one host each Saturday this month. Each venue has planned activities, sensory accommodations and materials for their events to support autism families and visitors. Several hosts are offering sensory maps to guide individuals who have sensory processing sensitivities, social narratives to guide families through their visit, as well as Autism Safety Trained staff. Resource tables and staff from the Color of Autism Foundation and Autism Alliance of Michigan will also be available throughout these events.
These cultural institutions are working with AAoM and one another to create universal symbols, language and accommodations for families to be able to enjoy and understand across locations and visits. Each venue will offer designated chill zones or quiet spaces for children who are overwhelmed, and will have options for lights, sounds, and communication to be more accommodating.
AAoM is working with these institutions to allow inclusive, welcoming and safe spaces for individuals with autism and their families. Autism Safety Training for staff will be provided to prepare museum staff to interact effectively with individuals with autism to help keep them safe.
AAoM is helping to develop Sensory Friendly Maps for these venues to prepare families for the sights, sounds, smells, and exhibits that they can touch or interact with. AAoM is creating social narratives for these venues and assisting with sensory friendly shows and activities that will be offered throughout the month of April.
If you have been hesitant to bring your child to some of Detroit’s cultural treasures in the past, please join the Autism Alliance of Michigan and their MiNavigator Team, who will be out every Saturday in April, to welcome and visit with your family!
For more information, please monitor AAoM’s web site at www.autismallianceofmichigan.