A team of Bancroft clinicians provided training to Mütter Museum staff to support them in hosting their sensory-friendly event taking place on Sunday, August 21 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

The goal of the training was to offer information on communication, and other differences, as well as potential accommodations that would make people feel most comfortable at this type of event – from lighting and additional signage to crowd size and sounds.

“We are seeing cultural institutions around the region finding ways to become more inclusive,” says Kellie Goldberg, Associate Director of Bancroft’s ABA Center of Excellence. Although events like these are most associated with those living with autism, Goldberg says they are valuable for anyone. “Sensory-friendly events, like the one Mütter Museum is hosting, are valuable for a variety of people for a variety of reasons”

“Our staff—from Visitor Services, to Docents, Operations, and Education—all felt that the session prepared them to know what to expect and how to best serve visitors with autism and other sensory sensitivities.” said Meredith Sellers, Arts and Accessibility Programs Coordinator.  “It was great to have the session come from people who have built such strong, caring relationships with the autistic community. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, Bancroft’s training was essential to the success of our Sensory-Friendly Mornings!”

Bancroft has offered training to a variety of businesses and community organizations including local law enforcement agencies, Federal Air Marshals and healthcare providers. 

For more information on the trainings Bancroft provides, contact Kellie Goldberg at kellie.goldberg@bancroft.org.

For more information on the Sensory-friendly morning at the Mütter Museum, reach out to muttermuseum.org.