Exploration for All: Autism Early Open Summative Evaluation Report

Support from Safeco Insurance has enabled Pacific Science Center to open early from 8 – 10 a.m. and provide free entry for families affected by autism spectrum disorder. During the event, accommodations are made for sensory-sensitive guests, including softened general lighting and decreased noise level and visual stimulation on interactive exhibits whenever possible. In addition, Science Center staff provide facilitated experiences for guests at the Puget Sound Tide Pool, in the Willard Smith Planetarium, and on the Live Science Stage. Safeco Insurance funding also provided for staff training as well as improvements to the facility. This report specifically details the findings from a study on the impact of the event on family groups attending Exploration for All. The summative evaluation aimed to answer three questions about the family experience at Exploration for All events: 1) How and why have families engaged with Exploration for All and Pacific Science Center in the past? 2) What are the most beneficial aspects of the event for families? 3) What impact has attending Exploration for All had on families, in terms of their perception of Pacific Science Center and their experience as a family?

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