DEARBORN — The Henry Ford and Autism Alliance of Michigan have partnered to create an autism-friendly experience for families visiting the museum. The first event of the partnership will be the “A Day Out With Thomas” April 28.
The event will allow families with autism to take a train ride around Greenfield Village on Thomas the Engine. They will also be able to meet AAOM Safety and Anti-Bullying presenter Anthony Ianni, who is a former Michigan State University basketball player who has autism.
Visitors will be able to explore the village and ask questions to the staff, who have been trained on how to work with people with autism and help them get a better learning experience.
The Henry Ford has also created environmental accommodations for visitors. These include offering ear plugs for certain activities and producing social narratives for all events and exhibits. These narratives will help families plan around areas or activities that may be too engaging for their loved ones.
These accommodations will be available to visitors at all of the attractions at the Henry Ford: the museum, Greenfield Village, IMAX and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour.
More information about this or future events or the partnership is available at autismallianceofmichigan.org or by calling The Henry Ford at 313-982-6001.