About this Event
In this practical and informative workshop, Aimee Fletcher – an autistic PhD researcher based at the University of Glasgow - shares some insight into the barriers to museum visiting for neurodivergent adults and suggests some changes or approaches that can improve accessibility.
Drawing from her own lived experiences and research findings so far, Aimee will present an introduction to neurodivergence and run a “Sensory Audit” activity around the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage to get everyone thinking about what barriers may exist in a space for neurodivergent visitors, as well as ways that they can be addressed. Throughout the workshop there will be opportunities to meet others interested in improving their own and organisation’s understanding of neurodivergence.
The session will conclude with an opportunity for a Q&A, either at the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage itself or continuing to a nearby pub or café.
This session is free for SMF members and costs £25 for non-members. To join the Scottish Museum Federation please go to the link here: https://www.scottishmuseumsfederation.org.uk/membership
Important information before attending
Please note: as part of the workshop may contribute towards the findings of Aimee’s PhD research, all attendees will be required to complete Consent Forms. Once registered, there will be an email sent closer to the time of the workshop with Participant Information, Consent Form and some more information about what to expect from the workshop.
If you have any questions in advance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with Aimee via [email protected].
Aimee Fletcher Bio
Aimee Fletcher is a current PhD Researcher at the University of Glasgow, researching ways to make the museum and cultural heritage sector more accessible to autistic and neurodivergent people. As an autistic woman herself, Aimee is committed to research and work practices that actively involve – and are led by – communities, for this reason she uses emancipatory and participatory approaches in her research. During her time as a Museum Studies MSc student (also University of Glasgow), Aimee created The Hunterian’s pre-visit information, online accessibility information, sensory bags for visitors and she organised The Hunterian’s first family event for autistic young people in July 2019. She has since consulted on different projects to enhance accessibility within the sector, including as an Advisory Panel Member for the Museums Association’s “Anti-Ableism” edition of its journal (out September/October 2023).
Her research draws from extensive personal and professional experience in autism accessibility. For 6 years, Aimee worked for an autism charity, taking a diverse group of 15 young people (ages 5-18) on trips to museums and other public spaces. She witnessed first-hand how the museum environment and content can impact the experience of autistic visitors. Beyond the museum sector and academia, Aimee has worked with the National Autistic Society as part of their Evidence and Research team.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, 1A Dryden Terrace, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00 to GBP 25.00
