Together and with each other Accessible cultural and leisure activities for people with ASD

There are a few best practices of cultural programs (theatre plays) and institutions (cinemas), that are made accessible for people with ASD worldwide. Our foundation is a well-known institution in our country, providing... [ view full abstract ]

There are a few best practices of cultural programs (theatre plays) and institutions (cinemas), that are made accessible for people with ASD worldwide.
Our foundation is a well-known institution in our country, providing diagnostic services and therapies for people with ASD and their families. We have always put a great emphasis on fostering social inclusion and on the elaboration of programs enhancing quality of life for people with ASD.
In the presented project our goal was to elaborate a standard resource that makes the leisure programs designed for the majority, accessible for people with ASD too. People with autism, their families were also included in the development of the material by sharing their experiences, demands and suggestions. The concept was to create “togetherness”: a joint treat for autistic and neurotypical people (family members and others).
First we elaborated the concept and resource of an “autism-friendly” play for adults together with the theatre crew. Next we cooperated with a leading, internationally renowned symphony orchestra that has always made efforts to bring music to everyone, especially to children. “Cocoa concerts” had run for years and offered a safe and attractive program for autistic children too. Thanks to proper adaptation of the music program, making the location accessible (physical and human resources) and availability of preparation materials for the participating families the event was a great success.
Summarizing these experiences we elaborated a manual and documentation resource that helps making cultural events and other leisure programs accessible for people with ASD.