Based in the port of Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire, the Scottish Museum of Lighthouses has received the Autism Friendly Award from the National Autistic Society. The Museum is the fifth organisation in the North East to achieve the award, which is also held by Aberdeen Football Club, Garioch Leisure Centre, Aberdeen Snowsports and Sport Aberdeen’s Beach Leisure Centre and Ice Arena.
Fiona McGreavy, Area Volunteering Development Manager at the National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “I’m so pleased that The Scottish Museum of Lighthouses has achieved the Autism Friendly Award.
“We know that 44% of autistic people and families in Scotland sometimes don’t go out because they’re worried about how people will react to their autism. We also know that small changes can make a big difference, meaning that autistic people can access and enjoy the places that many of us take for granted.
“We hope that more museums and visitor destinations will be inspired the Museum of Lighthouses’ achievements and work towards an Autism Friendly Award and make the small adjustments that mean they are more welcoming for autistic children and adults and their families.”
For more information please see National Autistic Society press release – http://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/media-centre/news/2018-04-11-scottish-museum-of-lighthouses.aspx
Or visit their website – http://lighthousemuseum.org.uk/
They have produced a pack for visitors here – http://lighthousemuseum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Colour-Autism-Friendly-Pack.pdf
Which includes a sensory map and pictures of their ‘chillout zone’.