Page 95 - SEN113 SEN Magazine July-August 2021-V3

School trips About the author Andy Keenan is Head of Widening Participation and Engagement at Winchester Science Centre. winchestersciencecentre.org @WinSciCentre @winchestersciencecentre “No decision about me without me” of helping him use the toilet, a day out was a challenge for his family. We realised that there must be so many other families missing an opportunity to have an enjoyable day out because of this very same reason. As a result, we started a fundraising campaign to raise money to install a Changing Places facility. In October 2019, our efforts paid off and we were able to open the facility and go one step further by making it accessible 24/7 with access via an NKS radar key even when the visitor attraction is closed. Rethinking how we do things and generally thinking outside of the box has become a big part of how we approach our accessibility and inclusivity. This was never truer than when we decided to improve our acoustics. With a unique pyramid- shaped building constructed of concrete, glass and steel, the venue could get extremely noisy, something that our visitors had told us was a problem for those with sensory sensitivities. We therefore worked with specialist acoustic engineers, Sustainable Acoustics, to identify ‘noise hot-spots’ where acoustic solutions could be installed to improve the environment for all visitors. The strong evidence that acoustic treatment could help overcome sound challenges, won us the support from global acoustic specialist, Ecophon, who worked with us to deliver the products needed. From a calming wave-like installation above the welcome area to fun pink patchwork squares over the café to an exclusively designed acoustic tree with leaves shaped like those of the English Oak, each set of acoustics focuses on solving sound problems, improving ambient noise and providing an aesthetically pleasing environment. Constantly evolving As well as improving the facilities, we are constantly evolving our public offering, to ensure we are providing the best possible experience for every customer. We’ve learnt that accessibility needs to be a strategic priority at the top level, so that it filters into every aspect of development, from planning to delivery. Creating accessible experiences isn’t solved simply by throwing money at it, it’s as much about understanding the barriers and investing the time to do this properly. We have a guiding principle when it comes to accessibility and inclusivity – ‘no decision about me, without me’. As a result of this we set up an advisory panel in 2018 to inform the decision making process regarding accessibility improvements. The panel includes individuals who represent a wide range of disability and impairments and they have played a major role in supporting the charity in a number of ways, especially through providing valuable advice on new initiatives. One such initiative was the creation of a ‘Recombobulation Room’. By consulting with our panel, we were able to identify that the Science Centre can become a bit overwhelming for some visitors. There’s a lot of noise and activity so it was suggested that a quiet place was needed away from the hustle and bustle of the visitor experience. These conversations led to the creation of the Recombobulation Room, which has been welcomed as a sanctuary for those with sensory sensitivities and a place for deaf visitors to escape when things have got a bit too busy and a reset is needed. I started this article by saying that everyone should be able to look forward to and enjoy a fun day out and I want to finish with the same thought. Many visitor attractions may not realise that they are creating barriers to this by not implementing simple changes. It is therefore crucial that customers feel empowered to voice their concerns when something is not working and praise attractions that are doing it right. At Winchester Science Centre, we’re not stopping yet. We’re planning British Sign Language interpretations of our exhibits, sensory maps and increased training of disability-confident staff. We’re determined to make a difference, because after all, everyone deserves to have the opportunity to create memorable experiences with friends and families. SEN113 95 ■ Thrilled by STEM. senmagazine.co.uk