2022 At the Museum Crystal Bridges strives to be a welcoming place for all and that includes our neurodiverse visitors. The museum offers several resources and opportunities for neurodiverse visitors to have a wonderful museum experience at a pace that works for them. This blog rounds up those resources for a quick-and-easy reference. Read on to learn about our offerings. You may also contact the museum at Access@CrystalBridges.org to inquire about accommodations for your visit. 1. Enter the Museum through a Quiet Space: Use the Library/Administration Entrance The Garrison Lobby in the main entrance of the museum contains a large glass dome that can produce an echo effect. Those who experience high sensitivity to loud or crowded spaces may consider entering the museum through the Library/Administration entrance. Use these directions to enter Crystal Bridges through the Library/Administration Entrance. 2. Use the Sensory Friendly Museum Map to Navigate Crystal Bridges Use our new Sensory Friendly Map of the museum to help identify quick exits, areas with low or natural light, and areas that are quiet, loud, or crowded. Please note that as exhibitions and other spaces in the museum change, there may be variations in the areas listed on this map. 3. Sensory Friendly Bags are Available for Check-Out Sensory Friendly Bags contain fidgets, noise-canceling headphones, copies of the Sensory Friendly Map and Social Narrative, and a Communication Aid and writing materials for those who would like an alternate way to communicate with our staff. Bags can be checked out for free at any lobby desk or in the Library. 4. Hands-On Materials are Available to Touch in the Studio Located off Walker Landing and accessible via the galleries, the Studio is an artmaking space for both adults and children. Hands-on materials and activities are available in the space including art supplies, books, and toys. 5. Museum Resources for Your Visit Use these resources to help you make the most of your visit to Crystal Bridges. Social Narrative (For first-time visitors, families, and individuals with disabilities.) Communication Aid (An optional tool for guests who might not communicate verbally.) Accessibility Offerings and Programs 6. Check Out These Other Community Resources Here are a few local/regional organizations around Northwest Arkansas that provide services for neurodiverse adults and children. PerspectAbility and Tulip Farm PerspectAbility is a local organization that provides resources for families with neurodiverse needs. They also own a Tulip Farm in Centerton that provides an opportunity to employ neurodivergent adults and to educate the public about their cause. Project Connect Project Connect serves as an outreach program for families and others seeking autism spectrum-specific resources in the community. Outreach activities include the Project Connect Autism Resource Guide, Parents’ Night Out and Camp Connect. Autism Involves Me Autism Involves Me enhances the lives of people with autism by connecting the NW Arkansas community through greater awareness and resources. We look forward to your visit!
