Visitors with special needs will be able to pick up a special backpack at a Sunderland attraction, filled with specially-chosen items, to help them make the most of their trip.
The National Glass Centre is to launch its Sensory Backpacks from Monday - marking the start of World Autism Acceptance Week - and they can be filled with a pick-and-mix of resources, catered to individual needs. The intention is to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can be offered an alternative way to enjoy their visit.
It announced its new backpacks on Twitter alongside images giving an idea of what they might contain, including a range of colourful toys and products. The post said: "We're excited to launch our new Sensory Backpacks this coming Monday in support of #WorldAutismAcceptanceWeek.
Read more: National Glass Centre's future unclear after £45m repairs assessment
"The backpacks will provide visitors with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) an alternative way to access and enjoy our venue." The idea is that visitors can pick up the backpacks at the National Glass Centre's reception desk then pick-and-mix their choice of what goes in them, to ensure a personalised, independent and more fun visit.
The National Glass Centre has yet to reveal more about the initiative but it coincides with the start of World Autism Acceptance Week which runs from March 27 until April 2. This annual event is about celebrating people with autism and raising awareness of the condition and of neurodivergence.
Its theme this year is colour and it is running a virtual Spectrum Colour Challenge and encouraging Spectrum Colour Walks. To find out more about the week see the National Autistic Society's website here.
For more about the National Glass Centre in Sunderland and what's on offer there - including its newly-opened Confluence: Ceramics-Glass exhibition - see here.
Read Next
-
Great North Run Junior and Mini events includes course for those with specific needs
Flashback to North East Autism Society busting common myths about autistic people
North East charity warns that 36% of autistic students don't complete their university degrees
- Free things to do with kids this Easter
University of Sunderland's £250m 'game-changing' transformation plan
