Autism
The Story Museum
The Story Museum is a most unusual museum located in the heart of Oxford. The Museum aims to enrich lives, especially young lives, through story, and was established to ensure that everyone can enjoy and benefit from engaging with great stories and create stories of their own in a place full of wit and wonder.
Our programme of events regularly includes Access Events including relaxed performances, sensory story SEN sessions and BSL interpreted performances. Visit our website to find out more about upcoming accessible events:
https://www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on
Accessibility
All of our spaces, including our galleries, café and gift and book shop, are fully accessible for wheelchair users. There are three lifts offering access to all floors. Accessible toilets are located on the ground and first floor of the building, with one space offering changing facilities and a shower. Read our access information here:
https://www.storymuseum.org.uk/plan-your-visit/faqs-accessibility
Sensory backpacks
Our sensory backpacks are designed to both calm and stimulate a child's journey through the Galleries so that you and your child can make the most of your visit. Just ask at the ticket desk on arrival and our team can loan them for the duration of your visit.
Telephone: 01865 807600 Address: 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP Contact email: h[email protected]Thomley
Thomley is a place for people of all ages and abilities.
They are based on a 9 acre site and they have: a soft play area, art room, sensory room, bike track, zip wire, play rooms, imagination room, fort, cycle track, park, music room, imagination room, teenage den and much more!
PLUS they have additional activities on selected days, such as: giant bubbles, woodwork, sports workshops and music therapy workshops. People with and without diagnosis are welcome at Thomley, they have focus days for for everyone - preschool, teenage, adult, quiet, family, community and more.
They are based in Worminghall, Buckinghamshire - just outside Oxfordshire, but of course everyone from Oxfordshire is most welcome!
Website: https://thomley.org.uk/
Address: Menmarsh Road, Worminghall, Buckinghamshire HP18 9JZ
Phone: 01844 338380 (office hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9am-5pm)
Contact Page: https://thomley.org.uk/contact-us/
SMILE – Sensory Musical Interactive Learning Experience
SMILE sessions provide a space for interaction and communication in a fun way, using smell, touch, taste, sound and sight. It is primarily for adults with complex needs, learning difficulty and autism using a total communication approach but the model can easily be adapted and is also used with children.
SMILE has been running since 2002, originating at Redlands, North Cherwell Day Service. It was set up by Celia Chasey whilst employed by OCC. She now runs SMILE independently providing a package which includes training staff to run sessions in their own venue, in day centres and residential homes.
She also runs sessions for children as part of a holiday scheme or she can tailor sessions to suit individual needs.
SMILE sessions can be visited at Redlands Daytime Support, Banbury - please contact Jayne England, Day Service Worker on 01295 263594.
Website: www.oxtc.co.uk/SMILE.shtml
Contact Name: Celia Chasey
Phone Number: 07904722620
Email: [email protected]
Farm Inspiration Trust
Farms offer a space where people can learn and develop in an outdoor, open environment. The Farm Inspiration Trust currently runs two programmes on FAI (Food Animal Initiative) Farms in Wytham, 5 miles from the centre of Oxford:
- FarmAbility is a day service for adults with autism and learning disabilities
- Outdoor Classroom provides educational visits to the farm for school children
Website: www.farminspirationtrust.org
Phone Number: 01865 245604
Email: [email protected]
Adress The Farm Inspiration Trust, The Field Station, Wytham, Oxford OX2 8QJ
Autism Family Support Oxfordshire
Autism Family Support Oxfordshire provides:
- Support and Information for parents
- Activities and workshops for children & young people on the autism spectrum, including youth groups in Oxford and Abingdon
- Information, training, and consultation with professionals, including joint working and development
Website: www.afso.org.uk
Phone: 01844 338696
Email: See their Contact Us page
Address: Thomley Hall Centre, Menmarsh Road, Worminghall, HP18 9JZ