Accessibility at Futures
A Guide For Neurodivergent Families
We’re bringing a Pop-Up Curiosity Shop of Science and Culture to The Cornish Bank in Falmouth and we want YOU to come along!
Meet University of Exeter researchers from all backgrounds and disciplines within a safe and accessible environment. Our team is here to support your family’s needs so that you can come together and have fun for a free weekend celebration full of science, bonkers ideas, music, art, and mayhem!
Accessibility Guide
The accessibility guide contains in-depth information about our venues and how you can navigate your way. Please don’t hesitate to contact Eleanor Bryant if you have any questions or concerns in the meantime.
What’s in place for you and your family?
This is a judgement-free zone! All of our academics have received information about neurodiversity to make the event a safe and joyful space for everyone. Below, you can find information about what we’ve put in place to support you over the course of the weekend.
Plan ahead and browse through Saturday and Sunday’s activities to pick your must-see stands and demonstrations.
Let Us Know You're Coming
The Pop-Up Shop is free of charge and offers a vast array of activities for people of all generations. We have trained volunteers to support you on the day, so while you don’t need to book, you can use the booking link below to get in touch with our team. You can tell us about who you will be bringing along and whether you have any accessibility requirements..
Sensory Rooms and Quiet Hours
Spread across the Poly, Fairwinds, The Church Hall, and the Cornish Bank, you and your family can escape the hustle and bustle for a chance to recharge and be away from noise for a bit. There will be plenty of different sensory activities, too.
We will be holding a Quiet Hour from 3-4 P.M. on both days to give you a chance to experience the Pop-Up Shop activities without a crowd .
Neurodiversity-Friendly Workshops
There will be a creative and neurodiversity-friendly workshop at Fairwinds on both Saturday and Sunday. Pre-book your slot now to plan your day:
- Saturday – TBC
Here to Help Volunteers
Our trained volunteers will be on-hand across all venues and throughout the day to signpost, support you, provide information, and help you to enjoy the day in a stress—free way!
Travel Reimbursement
Come and talk to our team in the Cornish Bank on the day to organise travel reimbursement. If you’re not travelling by car, please bring any relevant receipts with you.
Get in Touch with Your Accessibility Team
For any further queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Eleanor Bryant via the link below.
Meet the Team
A huge thank you goes out to Dr. Abby Russell and her team who have supported us in making it possible for this event to be accessible.
Dr. Abby Russell is a Senior Lecturer in Child and Adolescent Mental Health based within the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Research Collaboration (ChYMe) at the University of Exeter. Abby is working with children, parents and schools to co-design a toolkit of evidence-based behavioural strategies with extensive patient and public involvement.
Eleanor Bryant is a recent graduate of the University of Exeter, with a BSc in Neuroscience with a Professional Training Year. Eleanor is involved with several projects, including the 5-year Tools for Schools project working with a planning group of people with ADHD as well as school staff and parents to investigate effective interventions for children with ADHD.
Dr. Darren Moore is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Exeter’s Medical School. His research focuses on school mental health. This spans social, emotional and mental health as a special educational need, the impact of mental ill health on school attendance and outcomes, how schools can identify and treat mental health difficulties.
Dr. Gretchen Bjornstad is a Senior Research Fellow and the Programme Manager for the Child Health and Maternity national priority programme in the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) South West Peninsula (PenARC). Gretchen is also a Senior Lecturer in Health and Community Sciences.
