Explore Voyager 2000: Worldbeing & Wonder? exhibition – a sensory journey through growing up autistic and disabled in a digital world, during our Relaxed Hours, a quieter and more sensory-friendly time to visit.

During our relaxed morning visit times you’ll enjoy a gallery environment with fewer people and lower stimulation.

These events are to support anyone who is disabled, neurodivergent or those with sensory differences.

What to expect during these hours:

• Red stickers are available at the gallery entrance. Wear these to tell members of staff if you don’t feel comfortable communicating with someone
• Communication cards to ask staff for support
• A quiet space
• Ear defenders at the front desk
• Sensory objects are available at the front desk and in the gallery
• Lights and volumes of speakers turned down
• Soft bean bags in a gallery
• Artworks with blue hand symbols you can touch
• Objects hanging from pegs that people can feel
• Colour reading filters at the start of the show
• Makaton signs next to some artworks
• Large print text found at the start of the show
• Dyslexia friendly text at the start of the show
• Plain English guides at the start of the show
• Some videos have subtitles

If you have specific accessibility needs or feedback, please email us at [email protected]. We’re here to help and ensure your visit is enjoyable and welcoming.

Please note: Gallery 3 contains artworks with nudity and themes around sex and mental health. Get in touch if you’d like further details ahead of visiting.

Social Story

Click the button below to download a Social Story, which is a guide with photos and a description of a journey through the Firstsite building to support your visit to the exhibitions.

Support

• Advice and guidance for autistic people and families – National Autistic Society – www.autism.org.uk
• Advice and support for people and families with SEND: SENDIASS – www.essexsendiass.co.uk
• LGBTQ+ support service – Outhouse – www.theouthouse.org.uk
• Sexual heath advice, testing, and support – Essex Sexual Health Service – www.essexsexualhealthservice.org.uk
• Support for male and non-binary sexual assault survivors – SurvivorsUK – www.survivorsuk.org
• Eating disorder support – BEAT – www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
• Mental health advice and support – MIND – www.mind.org.uk