Last Saturday, Aug. 30, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden staff and members of the Autism Society of Central Virginia (ASCV) celebrated a milestone of inclusivity as the garden became a designated Autism Friendly Community.

What is an Autism Friendly Community?

In short, the title is held by businesses and organizations with intentionally safe and welcoming environments for people with autism and sensory processing differences. The official “Autism Friendly Communities Designation” is only granted after completing one of the ASCV's official training programs.

Regarding the program and new title, all Lewis Ginter staff members completed disability-specific training, and the garden has introduced a new sensory guest guide + free-to-borrow sensory backpacks.

New resource: Sensory guide

The additional guest guide is in the form of an online slide deck. The 32-slide presentation includes pictures and a first-person narrative detailing what guests can expect, from sights and sounds to smells and temperature changes.

For example, one slide includes the text, "When I enter, it may be loud and echoey in the Visitors Center. I can wear my headphones while I wait for my adult to get our tickets." Another says, "I can listen to the water from the fountains and the streams."

New resource: Sensory backpacks

Guests can now borrow sensory backpacks from the library or the guest services desk. Backpacks include noise-canceling headphones, sensory fidget tools, sunglasses, and a communication card.

Read more about the garden's new title + sensory-support resources, and plan your next visit