DAYSOUT
Sensory Adventures cont...
Diggerland, Rochester diggerland. com
Kent’ s Diggerland theme park champions a safe and friendly setting that can be enjoyed by all. With staff having been trained in autism awareness and heavily recommended by national autism initiatives as a top day out that provides plenty of accessibility and tailored services for ASD visitors, families can expect experiences that ensure children and adults of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to ride, drive and operate real diggers, dumpers and other full-size construction machinery, as well as enjoy rides and indoor and outdoor play areas. Pairing with fantastic learning opportunities and action-packed thrills, this Medway attraction is also fully equipped with areas to relax and enjoy some quiet time when needed.
Sensory Backpacks, Various Kent Venues
Across the county, an array of local attractions and venues truly recognise the support that sensory facilities such as accessible backpacks provide to children and adults with sensory needs. Full of helpful resources to decrease overstimulation and outing-related anxieties such as ear defenders, quiet zone maps and fidget toys, places that provide these genius backpacks include McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford, all Kentish English Heritage sites, Wingham Wildlife Park, Maidstone Museum and The Historic Dockyard Chatham- just a few attractions who offer sensory bags to borrow or purchase from customer services.
Festability, Quex Park, Birchington festability. co. uk
On Saturday 14 June, Birchington’ s Quex Park will welcome back open air, live music festival, Festability. Created by a group of parents with family members who have disabilities, this joyous music celebration strives to be as accessible and inclusive as possible, regardless of ability or impairment. Uplifting performances and activities will run all day and cater to all interests with a variety of music genres, attractions and interactive activities on offer including karaoke, silent discos, drumming workshops, fairground rides and adapted sports and games. BSL signers will feature throughout performances as well as Makaton signing volunteers, while sensory or chillout zones will provide options for quiet time and facilities will be designed with all visitors in mind.
Kids Herbal Workshop, Belmont House and Gardens, Faversham belmont-house. org
In 2023, local herbalist Mandy Rickard founded the Junior Herbalist Club in Kent to teach children how to look after their health, the planet and connect with the abundance of plant life around us. A taster session to the monthly group, this Herbal Workshop will teach children how to handle simple kitchen herbs that boost health and make plant medicines with them.
During the session at the Belmont House and Gardens on 15 April, children will make herbal glitter balls, a bath bomb and homemade lavender cordial, an engaging experience that is great for little ones to brush up on their fine motor skills. This plants and potions themed sensory-friendly play session is just £ 15 per child and suitable for those aged seven and over to attend.
Confidance Youth Community Class, The Stour Centre, Ashford confidance. org. uk
Every Wednesday in term time from 4- 6pm, Confidance offers a class for learning disabled and neurodiverse young people interested in learning to dance at The Stour Centre in Ashford. A community space that is both joyful and welcoming, Confidance’ s youth community class teaches contemporary dance techniques to participants between 13 and 25 years old.
You do not need to have prior dancing experience, and all bodies and abilities are welcome whether you need to be seated or standing during class. With the opportunity to learn dance techniques, develop posture and improve fitness and performance skills as well as gain autonomy, Confidance classes encourage students to get creative with their health and wellbeing. For those aged over 18, Confidance also offers an adult community class every Thursday morning at The Glassworks, Folkestone, from 10am- 12pm.
Down House, Orpington english-heritage. org. uk
As featured within The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain( 10th edition), Down House was once the family home of renowned scientist Charles Darwin. A Georgian home in a picturesque Kentish village, Down House was where Darwin lived, studied and worked up until his death, after which the house was preserved as a historic property by English Heritage. Offering a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of Charles Darwin, many of the ground-floor rooms have been restored to their 1870’ s appearance including the drawing room, billiard room and study.
The house’ s main entrance involves some steps, though wheelchair access is available through the shop with a lift up to the first floor. Audio, braille and large-print guides are also available upon request to make an afternoon exploring the house just that little more inclusive, and staff are happy to advise on quieter times to visit Down House for those needing some peace when exploring the grounds.
NATIONAL TRUST SENSORY BACKPACK
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44 • www. insidekent. co. uk