This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
Life celebrates start of Autism Acceptance Week with ‘Gold Plus’ award
Life has become the first visitor attraction to receive a ‘Gold Plus Standard’ Autism Acceptance Award, from North East Autism Society (NEAS). The prestigious award, which comes at the start of Autism Acceptance Week (2 April), recognises the pioneering six-year partnership between Life and NEAS and the science centre taking “autism acceptance to the next level”. This has led to international recognition for the science centre, with Life receiving enquiries about its work and approach, from organisations in France, Italy and Japan as well as across the UK. Working closely with NEAS, Life has implemented a range of improvements in the visitor experience for autistic people, from shaping new exhibitions at the centre and launching sensory-friendly Relaxed Sundays to increasing staff’s understanding of autism and neurodiversity through on-going specialist training. In recognition of the science centre’s innovative approach to inclusivity, Life was awarded the international Mariano Gago award in 2022 for its work with autistic communities. The awards are dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the professional science engagement world. Life Chief Executive Linda Conlon said: “This latest award from NEAS recognises the pioneering partnership we’ve forged with them over the last six years and our on-going commitment to making the centre […]