Embracing Diversity In All Forms: Malta’s First Autism-Friendly Museum Is Opening In Mdina At The End Of This Month
The Mdina Cathedral Museum will launch their Autism Friendly Museum project on the 30th of October and you’d be crazy not to check this place out, even if you aren’t affected directly by the condition.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Evarist Bartolo, Minister of Education, will be hosting the official opening next Wednesday.
Through this initiative project, the museum is marking another important milestone in becoming more accessible to the public.
Financed through the Voluntary Organisation Project Scheme and managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector, the museum hopes to appeal to a wider audience and provide a comforting atmosphere that allows for a more inclusive appeal.
The Mdina Cathedral Musuem believes in cherishing the diversity that surrounds us. Research shows that people on the spectrum of autism – much like any other disability – feel reluctant to visit public places like museums, where the overcrowding and strangeness of a new surrounding can overwhelm their comfort.
Taking accessibility very seriously is one of the museum’s top priorities.
Apart from basic accessibility needs like wheelchair ramps and appropriate restrooms, the museum wanted to build on this and take things a step further.
The museum has set up a designated ‘safe room’, where those who find themselves with sensory overload or meltdown can retreat to until they feel better to continue with their visit. A training programme was conducted by a qualified practitioner for all staff and management, too, with Archbishop Scicluna awarding the certificates of participation during the opening ceremony.
Mdina Cathedral Museum is confident that their actions will contribute towards maintaining their current drive towards a positive contribution in Maltese society, while embracing diversity in all forms.