Embracing Neurodiversity: Creating Inclusive Spaces in Cultural Institutions Workshop
Registration is closed.
Have you heard other museum professionals discussing “sensory-friendly” spaces, activities, or events and wondered whether your museum should offer these as well? Maybe you’ve heard the term “neurodiversity” before but aren’t sure what it means or what it has to do with your museum. Or maybe you’ve already identified neurodivergence as an area where you’d like to expand your museum’s accessibility efforts but aren’t sure where to start.
Join Square Holes, Science Museum Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Museums Association to learn about neurodiversity and creating inclusive museums in this 3-hour workshop for museum professionals. Led by an occupational therapist and a school psychologist/nonprofit professional, this session promises to demystify neurodiversity in an engaging and welcoming atmosphere. Participants will gain insights into the diverse sensory needs of visitors and learn firsthand how to create welcoming and accessible spaces.
We’ll provide an introduction to the concepts of neurodiversity and sensory processing differences, equipping you with the vocabulary and concepts foundational to this growing area of accessibility. Through hands-on practice, you’ll learn to analyze activities and understand their sensory requirements. This essential skill will enhance your ability and confidence in creating accessibility plans, designing new spaces and events, and creating sensory-friendly environments and experiences.
We’re thrilled to offer an interactive experience, including a visit to the new Sensory Room at Science Museum Oklahoma (SMO). Hear from SMO leadership about their process of identifying the need for this sensory-friendly space and engaging with community partners to make it happen.
No prior knowledge is necessary to participate—this workshop is open to all comfort and experience levels. It’s an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and grow together. We will share practical strategies and tips, empowering you to make meaningful changes in your institution’s environment. You will leave with a toolbox of ideas and a newfound enthusiasm for fostering inclusive cultural spaces.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Participants will be able to explain neurodiversity and its relevance to museums and understand different sensory needs of visitors.
- Participants will develop the ability to analyze and adapt museum activities for various sensory needs.
3. Participants will explore practical strategies for designing inclusive spaces and events in museums and gain insights into creating sensory-friendly environments through case studies and real-world examples.
BIOS:
Dave Turnbull, OTR/L, PhD is an Occupational Therapist and autism researcher with nearly two decades of experience working with neurodivergent individuals of all ages. He has first-hand knowledge of autism services across home, community, clinical, and educational settings. As a researcher, Dave had the opportunity to work on a variety of community-based research projects related to autistic adolescents and adults. This allowed him to gain insight into the strengths of the community, as well as the many challenges and barriers that neurodivergent individuals face. As a consultant with Square Holes, Dave uses his expertise to provide sensory evaluations of physical spaces and develop recommendations to make them more accommodating and welcoming for individuals with a range of sensory experiences.
Beth Varner (M.Ed., NCSP, CNP) is a School Psychologist and Certified Nonprofit Professional. She has extensive experience as a school psychologist in public schools and has worked with some of the largest educational publishers to create and deliver professional development programs. In addition to her work in schools, Beth has more than a decade of experience working with non-profit arts organizations, providing operational expertise and helping them to develop effective programs that meet the needs of their communities.