Science Center gets serious about sensory issues

Ms. Conroy trained the staff at the Science Center to ensure a welcoming and supportive environment. In the training, she emphasized the importance of treating all adults with maturity. She said she was very impressed by how respectful and receptive the staff members were, and by how much they already knew.

“We do a lot of trainings. I always tell the Science Center they’re our best audience,” she said. “They’re really interested in helping people have a good time.”

Participants on Thursday can expect to find “touch tables” where they can touch the miniature Railroad and Village, a liquid nitrogen smoothie demonstration, and an opportunity to meet live animals from the H2Oh! exhibit. There will be showings of the Omnimax film “Born to be Wild” and “Stars Over Pittsburgh” in the Buhl Planetarium, adjusted with soft lighting and lower volumes.

After Mr. Tognarine and the Carnegie Science Center’s Accessibility Task Force brainstormed ways to adapt the exhibits internally, they invited feedback from community partners — Autism Connection of PA, The Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy and Evolve Coaching.

Financial support came from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust.

The museum ran a trial of the event in advance, where several of Ms. Conr o y ’ s former clients shared feedback on exhibits and demonstrations.

“After each demonstration, we talked about what could be tweaked,” said Luciana Randall, who serves as executive director of Autism Connection of PA. For example, after running a trial of a tastetesting table, the planning committee decided to remove the strongest and more aversive tastes.

Interested individuals can register by calling 412237-3400 and then pressing 7, or on the museum’s webs i t e : C a r n e - gieScienceCenter.org. Tickets are $5, a reduction from the $26.90 that the Center charges adults for a similarly inclusive experience. Mr. Tognarine says that they aim to cap the event around 200 to ensure that large crowds don’t disrupt sensory friendly programming. Online registration will close at noon on Thursday, but interested individuals may still call in advance or walk in that night.

“People who are autistic like all types of entertainment,” Ms. Randall said. “The science center was the logical next venue.”

Parents, friends and drivers are also welcome at the exhibit, but are encouraged to give individuals with sensory sensitivity the opportunity to experience the museum on their own.

“I don’t want this to be a one-off event. I want it to grow into more programming,” Mr. Tognarine said.

“Providing accessible spaces for autistic adults to have fun in is incredibly important,” Ms. Benham said. “My hope is that it functions to bring together a group of autistic adults to be part of a community and to enjoy the science center without distraction.”