Wadsworth’s

Social Story

About

By collaborating with community experts, such as Autism Families CONNECTicut and Autism Services & Resources Connecticut, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art developed a digital social story outlining a visit to the museum for neurodivergent individuals and their families. The social story includes a visual narrative with photographs of museum entrances, staff members who support visitors in the galleries, different spaces in the museum, and suggestions for how to move through the museum.

Intended Outcome

To begin developing relationships with neurodiverse audiences so they feel as though the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is a place where they belong

Actual Outcome

The museum built relationships with community partners that specialize in neurodiverse populations and successfully implemented the social story on its website. Although the museum originally considered printing the story to offer as a lobby resource, it found that visitors had already viewed the digital guide to prepare for their visit and had no need for a printed version once on-site.

Advice Post Project

Although the social story was a great first step in serving neurodiverse audiences, the museum has recognized the need to pair this resource with training to better equip its staff members and volunteers, so they may provide the best support to neurodivergent individuals throughout their visit. The museum plans to invest more in future training opportunities.