Vermilionville Sensory Visit

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Sensory Friendly Visits to Vermilionville are designed to better serve persons on the autism spectrum and/or with sensory processing differences along with their families and caregivers.

• This program was developed utilizing research from other museum based sensory tours and input from a Community Advisory Council comprised of parents of children with autism and professionals from the school system.
• Families registering will receive a "social story" to assist in preparing their child for the visit.
• On the day of the visit, Vermilionville will open early, allowing families to tour the village before it is open to the general public for an hour and a half then, once the village is open to the public, sensory friendly accommodations remain in place for an additional hour and a half.
• Vermilionville will offer special accommodations and accessories, such as a "passport" designed to celebrate the success of your child’s visit, sensory signage, quiet rooms and fidgets.
• At 9:30 a.m., a designated craft area, with crafts recommended by an occupational therapist, will also be available.
• Staff and volunteers receive training prior to the event.
• We have worked hard to create a welcoming environment in order to better prepare children with neurodiversity for a successful museum experience. We look forward to having you as our guestsJ

Volunteer Needs:

Will need 15 volunteers to

• Assist with registration/sign-in, fee collections, wristbands, distribution of fidgets
• Assist with crafts
• Assist artisans with touch baskets and hands on interactives
• Stand watch and redirect people away from areas with easy access to water
• Assist with evaluation distribution/collection
• Assist with autism and sensory differences awareness table

Time commitment ranges from 2 to 4 ½ hours

*ALL volunteers must receive orientation/training from Melanie prior to volunteering.