Mayo museum launches sensory map for World Autism Month

The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life at Turlough Park, Castlebar, has launched a new social story and sensory map to mark World Autism Month this April. 

The resources are aimed at creating a more inclusive and engaging visitor experience, in partnership with Castlebar Autism Friendly Town and Count Me In, Western Care Association.  

The Museum piloted the sensory map during Mayo Social Inclusion Awareness Week 2024, where they invited the public to submit feedback.

The sensory map and social story were then finalised and are now available to download from their website and in hardcopy format from Museum Reception.   

The aim of the resources is to assist autistic people and neurodiverse audiences to prepare for and enjoy their visit. 

The social story is a short guide about what is involved in a Museum visit, providing information and imagery to assist people to navigate the site.  

The sensory map indicates sensory highlights in the exhibition galleries and includes sound, light and touch. 

Bernadette Frain, Manager of Count Me In, Western Care Association, worked closely with the Museum in developing the new tools. 

Speaking at the official launch of the resource, she said:  “We in Count Me In and Castlebar Autism Friendly Town (CAFT) were delighted to work with the National Museum of Ireland to develop this sensory map and social story. 

“It is great to see visitor experiences such as the Museum working in partnership with local groups and organisations to create a more inclusive community and make Castlebar a more autism friendly town,” she continued.

Robin Wynne, self-advocate and student at Castlebar College of Further Education, also provided generous input and guidance in developing the social story and sensory map. 

“This is a really positive initiative, and I was happy to be invited to collaborate. Hopefully, these resources help more people in planning their visit and contribute towards the goals of Castlebar Autism Friendly Town to create more autism friendly spaces,” said Mr Wynne.

Rosa Meehan, curator and advocate for autism awareness in the National Museum of Ireland, said they are ‘so grateful for the time given by Robin, Count Me In and the wider Castlebar Autism Friendly Town network’ in assisting the development of the resources. 

“We hope they will make the Museum a more welcoming and inclusive experience. This was a pilot initiative at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life site here in Co. Mayo, and it will form a good basis for the Museum’s ambitious plans to develop further resources, spaces, initiatives and public programming focussed on inclusiveness across all of our public sites,” she concluded. 

 The new resources are available from Museum Reception or to download on the museum’s website, or alternatively, visitors can have a copy sent by post in advance of their visit by telephoning Museum reception.