Charlestown’s Shipwreck Treasure Museum have introduced quiet sessions to enable people with sensory processing disorders to be able to enjoy the attraction.
The inclusive multi-award-winning attraction is holding monthly quiet sessions with reduced visual and audio stimuli to provide a more comfortable and welcoming environment for visitors affected by a range of sensory issues.
The background sounds and projector screens within the new immersive experience that tells the tale of legendary explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, in the tunnels beneath the museum will be turned off during these sessions.
Lighting will also be adjusted as much as possible within this new feature at the museum and it will be much quieter in terms of visitors than during a typical day, with pre-booked guests attending.
There will not be any talks or tours hosted during these sessions and seating will be provided in the centre of the museum to allow for breaks. Visitors are also encouraged to bring any ear defenders, visors, glasses, and any other sensory protective equipment that they might require.
A group of pupils from Pencalenick School, a special school located near Truro, were invited to test out the new quiet session concept which their teacher, Sharon Adams, felt was a success.
“Some of the pupils in our group have a range of sensory needs and they all thoroughly enjoyed their visit. The adjustments that have been made reduced and removed any potential issues which allowed the children to focus on learning in a relaxed setting.”
Lynné Raubenheimer, Visitor Experience Manager at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum said:
“We’re very proud of our new immersive experience and exhibitions that our visitors so far this year have thoroughly enjoyed. It’s very important to us to ensure we are as inclusive as possible and are proud to hold these special times and adjust our content to make visiting possible.”
The new quiet sessions take place until the end of October and run from 4.30 pm until 6 pm on the first Wednesday of each month with advance booking essential.
