Inspiring practice to improve the autistic visitors' experience
Commitment: Equity & inclusion
This inspirational session, loaded with learning and insight, is a three-way conversation between David Jones, Life Science Centre (Life), Kerrie Highcock, North East Autism Society (NEAS) and Zoe, a 12-year-old autism advocate. The session will challenge and inspire you to think differently about audiences with sensory needs.
For the past three years, David and Kerrie worked closely with five families, Zoe being from one of those families. During that time Life and NEAS worked to improve accessibility and the autistic visitor experience. Working with a group of young autistic children, the idea was that they would influence the design and environments of Life’s new exhibitions.
In March 2021 Life became the first in the sector to be awarded NEAS’s ‘Gold Standard for Autism Acceptance’.
Hear about the difference this successful partnership has made and be prepared for Zoe to steal the show!
Facilitator
Community Liaison Manager
Newcastle upon Tyne
United Kingdom
Session speakers
Community Liaison Manager
Newcastle upon Tyne
United Kingdom
As Community Liaison Manager I would be the first to admit that in hindsight when Life embarked on this journey, I knew very little about autism. I have built up knowledge through observing and asking questions and have now been accepted into the autistic community. As I have understood more I have been able to see and create new opportunities, supporting the autistic community in ways which neither Life or NEAS originally set out to do.
Family Development Manager
North East Autism Society
Chester-le-Street
United Kingdom
Kerrie will be part of the conversation with David and Zoe, explaining how NEAS have collaborated with Life over the last three years.
North East England
United Kingdom
12 year old Zoe will share her experience and talk about ZAP, Zoe's Advocacy Project, that she created during lockdown in 2020.
