Museum awarded for being 'a space for everyone'

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery has been praised for its inclusivity

A museum has been awarded the National Autistic Society's Autism Friendly Award for its work to ensure it is accessible to people with different needs.

Exeter City Council's Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM) said it had met the standards needed to ensure it offered an industry approved autism-friendly environment.

Councillor Bob Foale, Exeter City Council's lead for arts, culture and tourism, said: "The museum is a space for everyone, and we remain committed to continually improving its inclusivity."

He added: "This award is a testament to the dedication and impact of our accessibility champions, whose efforts are making a meaningful difference."

RAMM said the Autism Friendly award acknowledged the work it was doing, including:

• a high level of autism-friendly information on the museum website in different formats

• relaxed sessions as part of the programme of events

• employee training, including specific strategies to work with autistic people in the context of a museum environment

• taking feedback from working with autistic people including staff and applying it effectively

• clear signage

Christine Flintoft-Smith, head of autism accreditation and projects at the National Autistic Society, said: "We are delighted that RAMM has achieved the Autism Friendly Award, helping to make society a more autism-friendly place for autistic people and their families.

"There are lots of small changes businesses can make to better support autistic people, and just a little understanding can go a long way."