Sensory Friendly Playtimes
The expERIEnce Children’s Museum will host new Sensory Friendly Playtimes starting on Saturday, April 7th from 9-10 a.m. The Children’s Museum, located at 420 French Street, will hold the Playtimes every Saturday in April to celebrate Autism Awareness Month. Beginning in May, a Sensory Friendly Playtime will be held on the first Saturday of every month from 9 -10 a.m. These times will be exclusive events that are free for children diagnosed with sensory processing disorders and one caretaker.
The playtimes are designed to allow children to have fun and enjoyable learning experiences in a comfortable and accepting environment. To prepare for these times, Museum staff will turn down lights, limit extra sounds and stop distracting motions. A designated sensory friendly room will also be available with tools to assist parents and caregivers. Visitors can also reserve this classroom during regular museum hours as a sensory friendly room.
The Children’s Museum is partnering with the Barber National Institute, Niagara Therapy and other organizations during these playtimes to provide 30-minute educational programming led by occupational therapists. “Our Sensory Friendly Playtimes allow children with sensory-processing differences to develop a life-long love of learning and play. With the new schedule and services we are offering, we hope to become a useful resource for these children and their caretakers,” says Ainslie Brosig, executive director.
Sensory Friendly Playtime at the Museum is made possible through support from UPMC Health Plan. For more information, please visit eriechildrensmuseum.org.
