Buttercrane Centre been presented with Autism Impact award from Autism NI in recognition of staff training and recent improvements made to the centre environment to enhance the experience of visitors with Autism.
Staff have undergone training to improve awareness of issues that may be experienced by visitors with Autism and in addition improvements have been made to the Centre Mall and website.
A dedicated Autism Friendly section has been added to www.buttercraneshopping.co.uk with ‘familiar sight & sounds video’ and a pre visit guide. Sensory support packs and ID wristbands are now available from the Help Desk; and mall signage has been enhanced to indicate ‘increased noise level’ signage.
Centre Manager, Peter Murray said: “These improvements add to and complement our existing services – Sensory room, Silent Shopping hours, Silent Santa, quiet hand driers and ‘Space to Change’ disabled changing facilities as well as our Go To Shop Trolley for older children with disabilities.
“We are delighted to achieve this Autism Impact Award and we will continue to look at innovative ways to make a visit to Buttercrane a positive, inclusive experience for all our visitors.”
Pictured are Peter Murray, Centre Manager with James Loughran, Operations Manager Butttercrane Shopping Centre with Christine Kearney, Director of Development at Autism NI.
