Thirteenth International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

This study gathered information concerning the current extent of sensory-sensitive initiatives across provincially owned and operated museums and historic sites in Alberta, Canada. Heads of education, programming, and visitor experience (N=16) completed a questionnaire about the motivations and barriers that exist within the institution to increase the sensory inclusivity of their programs for visitors with sensory processing disorders. Increasing accessibility and creating a sense of belonging for visitors emerged as the primary motivations. Lack of time, budget, and staff were reoccurring barriers for piloting sensory-friendly programming and resources. Sensory wayfinding has launched in all sensory-friendly institutions (N=5), though sensory visiting hours (N=4) have had the highest levels of engagement with children 0-14 years, who were the largest user segment. Many institutions do not have sensory-sensitive programs. Responses were split between those institutions that are willing to pilot sensory-friendly programming with guidance and those institutions that do not show any interest in developing such programs. Studies such as this inform future efforts to make museums and historic sites more accessible for all visitors but particularly those with neurodevelopmental disorders.