Five Changes You'll See in The Museum at Bethel Woods During Sensory-Friendly Days

In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, The Museum at Bethel Woods is highlighting our Sensory-Friendly Museum Day program. Individuals of all ages with autism, complex developmental disabilities, or sensory sensitivities are welcome to experience our Main Exhibit, gift shop, and cafe?during special early-morning hours?before the museum opens to the general public.

Here are some changes one might see during Sensory Friendly Museum Days:

LIGHTS & SOUNDS

Upon walking into The Museum, guests are usually greeted by lights and sounds. They may see a bright yellow daisy projected onto the floor, or hear various soundbites from one of The Museum’s 20 films. On Sensory-Friendly Days, sound and lighting features are augmented to reduce sensory stimulation. Any areas that are high traffic, noisy, or involving lights are marked on our sensory map.

TEXTURE ZONES

For those who are sensory seeking, touch is a way of exploring the world around them. Throughout The Museum, there are select zones where one can explore and feel certain textures, such as the leather fringes seen on a jacket in the 1960s or the beads a festival-goer would have worn around their neck.?

CLOTHING

In addition to the texture zones, there is a spot in The Museum where guests are free to try on '60s-inspired clothing.

ARROWS & DOTS

New signage is placed throughout the Main Exhibit. Yellow arrows on the floor lead the way to the next part of the museum. A blue dot marks the beginning of the exhibit, and a red dot tells guests they’ve reached the end. A Social Narrative will help learners adjust to a potentially new social situation by describing the environment, highlighting important cues, and offering examples of appropriate ways to respond

QUIET ROOM

If guests need a quiet spot, there is a designated room in the museum. There are beanbag chairs, books, weighted blankets to help guests feel calm.

Sensory Friendly Museum Days are held on the second Saturday of each month from 9 AM to 10:30 AM. To learn more, please visit our website.?

Funding for Sensory Friendly Museum Days has been provided?by Bethel Woods Center for the Arts members and donors.?View a copy of our annual report?or?visit our website?for a more comprehensive list of supporters.