World Autism Awareness Week is back from 29 March to 4 April 2021 with ideas for raising awareness and funds with family and friends.
So to celebrate this and help create a society that works for autistic people we’ve put together a round up of all the TraffordCity attractions who provide Autism Friendly sessions for customers.
Dino Falls Adventure Golf
Dino Falls Adventure Golf has an Autism Friendly session on the first Tuesday of each month. With approximately 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, the team at Dino Falls Adventure Golf have recognised the importance of making the course more accessible to those visiting with autism. The sessions, which be from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, will include adjusted lighting, reduced sound and low-level music on the course.
PlayFactore
PlayFactore hosts Disability Play Sessions every first Thursday of the month. Children receive 2 hours of play, having access to all of the facilities. Children aged 6 months to 16 years with all types of disabilities and special educational needs (SEN and SEND) are welcome. Play Factore understands everyone’s needs are different and they want to make sure your session is as relaxed and enjoyable as it can be. The volume of the music is lowered, as well, as adjusting the lighting to make families feel comfortable.
Upon arrival, customers are greeted and booked in by the lovely Reception team, thus there is no requirement to book your visit. FREE entrance is offered for every carer accompanying a child, upon presentation of disability ID such as a DLA form.
SEA LIFE Manchester
As part of their ongoing commitment to creating a fun environment for all, every Thursday afternoon during term time will be Autism friendly* at SEA LIFE Manchester.
From 2.00pm until 6.00pm, music is turned off and lighting throughout the attraction is made as standard as possible to provide a more comfortable Sea Life experience for those with autism and other sensory requirements. Extra trained staff are also on hand around the attraction who can answer any questions and provide assistance.
Advanced booking is advised.
LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester
Every Thursday afternoon during term time is Autism friendly* at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre. From 2.00pm to 6.00pm, there will be extra staff, no music, limited sound effects and standard lighting.
All the awesome elements of LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, such as the bricks, soft play area, stop motion animation tables and the rides will be open as usual! But the centre will just be a little bit quieter and lighter. If there is an event running on your visit date, then all the awesome extra builds and themed fun will be available to join in with too!
For the parts of the attraction which require certain lighting and effects to operate (such as the 4D Cinema and the Kingdom Quest ride) signs will be in place and staff will fully explain what will happen for families to make an informed decision before entering that particular area.
There’s a designated quiet space available and extra provisions such as ear defenders can also be provided. A social story about LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester is available to download HERE for familiarising children with the centre before a visit.
Due to the limited capacity, advanced booking is advised. All adults must be accompanied by a child.
The Trafford Centre
The Trafford Centre team understand that for some people with autism spectrum conditions (ASC), sensory or additional needs a visit to a busy shopping centre can be a daunting experience. To help make your visit as enjoyable as possible, intu are able to provide ear defenders in centre and have also been working in partnership with Together Trust and their team of autism specialists, to develop a number of helpful resources for individuals with autism and their parents/carers.
The centre hosts a “Quiet Hour” every Wednesday 10-11am, where the centre avoids the use of any tannoys. Retailers are asked to turn music low or off, and dim lights where possible.
