As part of ongoing accessibility work at Dalnavert, we have developed a number of resources to make our museum relevant and accessible to everyone. For Autism Acceptance Day, we are excited to highlight some new resources that autistic guests and other neurodivergent visitors may find helpful when visiting our museum.
Please note that Dalnavert refers to April 2 as Autism Acceptance Day, not Autism Awareness Day. We recognize that awareness is not enough. Acceptance requires structural and social change to improve autistic people’s access to education, employment, and the same services and places that allistic people have access to.
Visual Story
This Visual Story gives a general outline, with pictures, of what to expect during a visit to Dalnavert (link opens in a new window). We do our best to update this document to reflect the current state of the museum.
You can also preview the museum using our virtual tour which is available for free online (link opens in a new window). Additional pictures of the museum are available on the Accessibility page of our website.
Sensory Map
We have also developed a sensory map of the museum (link opens in a new window). A sensory map identifies sensory friendly places and areas that may pose a barrier to access for those with sensory sensitivities.
This sensory map identifies places in the museum and visitors’ centre that are loud, quiet, bright, poorly lit, lit with natural light, and that may be smelly.
Sensory Support Kit
We now offer some borrowable access resources free of charge to visitors. Included in those resources is a sensory support kit. The sensory support backpack is based on the sensory support kit available through Autism Canada, but we have added some additional items to it. It contains fidgets, communication cards, ear defenders, sunglasses, and more.
This slideshow shows the contents of our sensory support kit. You can also view the contents of the sensory support kit in this PDF (link opens in a new window).
While visiting the museum, you are welcome to borrow the whole backpack or just the supplies that you need. Speak to a staff member or volunteer at the front desk to borrow any items. All items are sanitized between uses.
Other Changes and Resources
As part of our ongoing accessibility work at the museum, guests now have to option to input any access and accommodation requests they may have when booking their tickets online. Please let us know if there is anything to make your visit easier or more accessible.
Image Description: A screenshot from Dalnavert’s booking engine. It shows two questions. The first is “Do you have any access requirements or accommodation requests?” Below this is a blank box for write-in responses. Underneath the box it says “If you have any questions about accessibility, please email info@dalnavertmuseum.ca or call 1-(204)-943-2835.” The next question appears below and reads “How did you hear about us.” Below that is a drop down menu that says “Choose an option”.
We have also implemented a new scent-free policy and a flexible re-entry policy.
Re-Entry Policy: We understand that sometimes it may be necessary to leave unexpectedly before your tour is finished. With this in mind, we offer the chance to return to the museum for free to finish your tour within two weeks of purchase. Please speak to your tour guide or the front desk before leaving.
Scent-free policy: Dalnavert Museum and Visitors’ Centre strives to create a scent-free environment for visitors. Please be considerate of those in the audience who may have allergies and/or environmental sensitivities and refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or other scented products. Please refrain from applying or reapplying scented products while at Dalnavert.
Next Steps
Dalnavert is working hard to make our museum more accessible and inclusive. Accessibility work is ongoing. Here are some steps we hope to take in the future to make our museum more accessible to neurodivergent visitors:
Develop a quiet room for guests who may be overwhelmed or overstimulated.
Introduce low-sensory morning and/or evening openings.
Adding touchable objects to the museum.
Train staff and volunteers on the Accessibility for Manitobans Act, accessible customer service, and neurodiversity.
Develop inclusive hiring practices and policies.
Consult with neurodivergent community members on how we can make the museum more accessible.
If you have any feedback on the work that we have done so far or would like to be involved in future accessibility work at the museum, please let us know. You can reach us by email at info@dalnavertmuseum.ca or by phone at (204) 943 2835. You can also use this form:
Contact US
Please visit the Accessibility page of our website for more information about accessibility at Dalnavert.