Cleveland, Ohio – The Grand Lakes Science Center Launches a new weekly series of programs on Sunday morning convivial sensory in April, and a new sensory space, all designed to make the museum more accessible to all members of the community.
For some guests, the museum lights and sounds can be overwhelming. The sensory sessions of the “Grand Lakes Science Center for me” allow museum enthusiasts to control sensory contributions to meet their needs, the museum said in a press release.
Certain exhibitions will be adapted to customers with sensory needs. The adaptive materials available for customers will include noise reduction headphones, agitated materials and weighted blankets.
The sessions will take place every Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon, from April 13, said the museum.
The idea is to make a scientific center more comfortable for people with autism, Down syndrome, differences in sensory treatment or other brain differences.
Typically, Those who have neurological differences – Often called neurodivergenous people – do not appreciate crowds and strong noises from several sources make them difficult for them to concentrate. They want to know exactly what to expect in public, and they need a place to withdraw when they feel outdated.
“The catalyst for this important space was born from our current efforts to audit accessibility in our building,” said Kirsten Ellenbogen, CEO of Great Lakes Science Center. “This unique design room was planned to offer greater opportunities to a sensory regulatory space to anyone who could wish it during its visit.”
The Cuyahoga County Development Disorders Council provided support and funding for the project. An official ribbon cup for the new sensory space took place earlier this month.
“Inclusion is the name of the game, and we are proud to associate with the Great Lakes Science Center on the new sensory space, which will allow more people to participate fully in all that the scientific center has to offer,” said Amber C. Gibbs, CEO of the County County Development Council.
“I know which spaces like this mean for people with disabilities, and I am grateful to the science center for their investment in spaces and an inclusive and accessible programming,” said Gibbs.
The term “neurodivergent” describes people whose brain differences affect the functioning of their brain. This means that they have different strengths and challenges of people whose brain does not have these differences, According to the Cleveland Clinic.
Certain conditions commonly included in the term Neurodivergent include Down syndrome, dyslexia, intellectual disability, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, sensory treatment disorders and social anxiety, according to the clinic.
It is estimated that 15% to 20% of the world’s population has a certain form of neurodivergence, such as the hyperactivity disorder of attention deficit and autism spectrum disorder, According to federal statistics.
Julie Washington covers health care for Cleveland.com. Read Previous stories on this link.