The Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum, London – has become the first cultural venue in the UK, to win an autism-friendly status.
The Museum has won an an Autism Access Award which is given as a mark of recognition to show that the venue is autism friendly for people with autism and their families and carers.
The National Autistic Society (NAS) presented the award last Friday.
The Museum was recognised for improvements it has made to ensure that it is more accessible to visitors with autism.
There is a dedicated section for accessibility on the Museum’s website as well as a downloadable autism friendly trailer, visitors are therefore able to familiarise themselves with the Museum before their visit.
The Museums Association website states that Ellen Lee, the museum’s education officer and leader of the project, said:
“I am very happy that the museum has been recognised for its efforts to improve accessibility for all its visitors.
She also adds that they hope to inspire other museums and galleries to become more autism-friendly.
Robert Pritchett, the NAS’s director of Autism Accreditation, said:
“The NAS is delighted that the Royal Air Force Museum is the first cultural venue to win our Autism Access Award.
“The NAS has already received many compliments about the venue, its exhibitions and online resources from parents and our adult service users, so this award is thoroughly deserved.”