Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny has announced it will partner with Ireland’s National Autism Charity, AsIAm, to offer sensory friendly hours.
The venue said it wants to ensure that autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals can visit the Kilkenny city centre site with confidence.
'Unforgettable Memories'
“This accreditation is an example of how the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny team and teams at our other sites are working with partners to ensure that our attractions are accessible for all guests, and to help everyone create unforgettable memories at our experiences," said Ignacio Peregrina, manager of Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny.
“It has been enlightening for our team to work with AsIAm to receive extensive autism sensitivity and awareness training, which will help the way we interact with all visitors, but especially those with sensory sensitivities.”
Sensory Morning
The 300-year-old brewery site will offer one sensory morning a month to begin and will increase the offering, pending further demand.
AsIAm conducted reviews of the visitor attractions to provide recommendations to increase accessibility and help visitors prepare for their visit, including sensory guide signage, customised tours, and adaptions to the customer experience.
Similar sensory friendly hours are also being made available from January at other Diageo visitor sites, the Guinness Storehouse and Roe & Co Distillery.
AsIAm Visitor Attraction
As an accredited AsIAm visitor attraction, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny will provide designated low-sensory tours.
The first tour/early hours of selected sensory friendly days will include noise and light reduction. This will involve turning down music, dimming lighting and more.
Free Carer Ticket
All three attractions will offer sensory kits at their reception areas, along with visual guides of the buildings and sensory maps year round. During the designated sensory friendly tours, additional signage will be placed around the buildings, marking high sensory areas.
Staff at all three sites have been trained by AsIAm.ie to better understand how to cater to customers with autism or neuro divergencies.
All three experiences will also offer one free carer ticket per customer, if required.
'More Inclusive'
“It has been a pleasure working with the team to educate their staff, assess the environments and to help enhance these amazing experiences to ensure that autistic visitors, their families, and those who process the sensory environment differently, get the same chance to enjoy these wonderful visitor attractions," said Adam Harris, AsIAm CEO.
"These partnerships with industry leaders are essential to create more inclusive and welcoming experiences for all.”
