The National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) in Athens has teamed up with The Happy Act to make its institution more friendly to visitors with autism.
Christos Karakatsidis, who co-founded The Happy Act with his sister Maria, said the project would be a “challenge” due to the large size of the museum and its exhibits.
The project entailed identifying sources of visual and aural stimulation, as certain sounds and lights can trigger adverse reactions in people with autism.
From there, the museum would be provided with signposts containing information and warnings regarding the intensity and quality of sensory stimulation at every exhibit and space.
The Happy Act also plans on working with businesses to make them more accessible to customers on the spectrum.
This may entail simple changes like altering the air freshener they use or creating a quiet space for customers experiencing a sensory overload, or more demanding ones, like training staff how to approach customers in distress.
Source: Ekathimerini.
