Planning holidays and city breaks are an exciting time for families, however for children with autism visiting a new city can be a scary experience. One of the main hurdles of planning a holiday is knowing which attractions will be autism friendly. With the help of JAM Card, you will find a range of autism friendly things to do in Belfast. Through our app you can find a range of attractions, restaurants and accommodations that offer quality support to visitors with autism and learning disabilities. Below we have made a list of the top visitor attractions in Belfast that will be a perfect addition to your autism friendly vacation.
Autism Friendly Attractions in Belfast
W5 Belfast
If you are searching for things to do with an autistic child in Belfast look no further than the W5 science and discovery center based in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. The venue is suitable for all ages and staff are trained to provide the best experience to all visitors.
W5 is a JAM Card Friendly site. This means that visitors with learning disabilities, autism or Asperger’s can tell staff they need ‘Just A Minute’ of time and patience in a discreet and easy way. The site also has a Quiet Room for visitors with autism or sensory needs who require a break from the crowds, noise, and exhibitions. This room has comfortable seating areas as well as adjustable lighting and sounds. For more information about W5’s autism support in Belfast, get in touch with a member of their team today.
Belfast Zoo
When searching for autism friendly things to do in Belfast, the zoo should be at the top of your list! Belfast Zoo is a fun day out for all the family, no matter what age they are. Staff at Belfast’s Zoo have received JAM Card training and can provide quality training to customers with autism and learning disabilities. When you visit the zoo, you can enter through the Visitor Centre. Here you can ask a staff member to assist you with fast-track entry and to ensure your visit is enjoyable.
Belfast’s zoo employees offer a range of support for people with autism. They hold several events throughout the year that are catered for visitors with autism and Asperger’s. These events include Quiet Hours and a Sensory Day.
Titanic Belfast
Whether you are here for a holiday or live in the city and want to explore the rich history there are plenty of autism friendly things to do in Belfast. The Titanic Quarter is an up-and-coming area of the city where you can learn all about the ship workers and the journey of the Titanic.
Visiting attractions in a new city can be a scary experience for people with autism and learning disabilities. At the Titanic Visitor Centre employees have received JAM Card training to offer support for people with autism throughout their visit. When you show them your physical card or JAM Card app staff will recognise that you may need ‘Just A Minute’ of extra time and patience. Ear defenders are available to loan from the ticketing crew and they recommend that you bring your own sensory aids/fidget toys if you have them.
SS Nomadic
The SS Nomadic can be found in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter and is included as an exhibition as part of Titanic Visitor Centre’s tour. This exhibition is busy throughout the summer months with people coming from all over the world to see what it has to offer.
The attraction’s environment can be difficult for people with autism and learning difficulties due to loud noises. As a JAM Card partner employees at Titanic Belfast have been trained to offer support for people with autism to ensure they are enjoying their experience to the full.
James Connolly Visitor Centre
If you are a fan of history and storytelling, the James Connolly Visitor Centre sounds like the perfect activity for you. The Centre is only a short walk away from Belfast’s city center. Here you can take part in interactive exhibits and earn about the life of James Connolly.
This activity is suitable for all ages. Throughout the tour visitors with learning difficulties and autism can discreetly show their hidden disabilities card to a member of staff to show they may need a moment of patience and their support. The James Connolly Visitor Center aims to give all their visitors a quality experience. For more information about the centre’s autism support in Belfast, get in touch with a member of their team today.
The MAC
If you are searching for autism friendly things to do in Belfast the MAC should be at the top of your list! The MAC is an award-winning venue in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Here you will find fun workshops, art exhibitions, live theatre performances and family activities.
As a JAM Card Partner, the MAC warmly welcomes visitors with autism and learning disabilities. Here you will find a range of things to do with an autistic child in Belfast. Members of staff have received online training to make sure their activities and performances are autism friendly. Throughout the year they host several relaxed performances where they will adjust the lighting and sound effects of their shows.
Planning Your Autism Friendly Trip to Belfast
When planning a trip to Belfast searching for autism and disability friendly venues and visitor centres is easy through the JAM Card App which is available to download on Google Play and the Apple Store. Here you will find businesses across Belfast who have received training to give communication barriers and hidden disabilities quality care based on their needs.
For more information on JAM Card and how you can order one ahead of your visit, get in touch with us today by calling 028 9043 6400 or alternatively you can email us at hello@jamcard.org.
