Life's ground-breaking autism partnership makes science accessible to all

Life Science Centre in Newcastle is breaking new ground when it comes to making science accessible for everyone.

The centre runs sensory-friendly Relaxed Sundays once a month, has sensory bags and ear defenders available to hire, and has a visual story and sensory map on its website.

Life also runs a science club for autistic young people, which will be celebrating its fifth birthday with a party on April 10.

It has done all this during a seven-year partnership with NEAS, with autistic young people advising Life on everything from visitor experience to the design of new exhibition areas.

Last year, the centre become the first venue ever to achieve NEAS’s “Gold Plus” Autism Acceptance Award.

But Life is not resting on its laurels, continuing to embed accessibility into everything it does, from its physical spaces to daily interactions with the public.

David Jones, Community Liaison Manager, explains: “Our school outreach team visited a school recently where the children were getting excited and cheering.

“One of our trained team noticed a girl getting upset and putting her hands over her ears. He immediately got a sensory box and offered her some ear defenders. She put them on and joined in the cheering

At the centre itself, a new bigger, light-filled glass lift has been installed, signage is being changed, and the counter at reception has been lowered.

The café area has also been redesigned to including flooring on one level and a more spacious layout.

“The accessible adjustments make a difference for everyone, including the autistic community,” David says. “Accessibility is really at the core of what we do.”

Now Life continues to spread the word nationally and internationally. David is doing a talk about the importance of visual stories at the Association of Science and Discovery Centres in May, and will address the European Network of Science Museums and Centres in June on his work on supporting neurodivergent communities.