Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum offers free sensory friendly event

 

[March 29, 2022] 

Continuing its “Abe for All” initiative, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will offer a sensory friendly event for people who may be overwhelmed by intense light, strong sounds and large crowds.

The free event runs 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, April 2.

Anyone can attend, but the goal is to gather feedback on how to improve the experience for guests, such as people on the autism spectrum, who may prefer a sensory friendly atmosphere. Guests will get to fill out surveys afterward to offer their thoughts on what worked and what didn’t.

During the event, audio will be lowered throughout the museum and lighting will be adjusted to reduce extremes and create a more fluid atmosphere. Touch tables and new activities will give guests more engagement opportunities.

A pre-visit preparation packet is available by calling 217-558-8844 or emailing [e-mail]. The packet includes a social story and exhibit descriptions with photos.

With its “Abe for All” initiative, the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum seeks to learn how it can be more welcoming to people with a wide variety of abilities. The project launched earlier this year with an evening for the Deaf community and those with hearing loss.

“The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is proud to share the story of America’s greatest president. We want every person to fully appreciate his legacy, and that means we are committed to improving accessibility for all,” said the ALPLM’s executive director, Christina Shutt.

The mission of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is to inspire civic engagement through the diverse lens of Illinois history and sharing with the world the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. We pursue this mission through a combination of rigorous scholarship and high-tech showmanship built on the bedrock of the ALPLM’s unparalleled collection of historical materials.

For more information, visit www.PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov 

[Christopher Wills]