CORNWALL, Ontario – Upper Canada Village is launching ASD Sensory Friendly Sunday mornings in July and August for visitors on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing difficulties.
Visitors will have a fun, enjoyable learning experience in a comfortable and accepting environment. Sensory accommodations include schedule and itinerary suggestions, quiet spaces, hands-on opportunities and gentle social interactions with Village staff.
Upper Canada Village staff has participated in specialized training in partnership with Autism Ontario. The training has helped staff to be more aware and prepared to deliver an appropriate experience.
Sunday mornings are traditionally quite times at the Village. Suggested activities include taking a horse-drawn wagon ride or the Tow Scow tour. Wagons depart from in front of Cook’s Tavern for a 20 minute tour of the Village from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and in the afternoon from 12:45 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. The Tow Scow takes visitors along the scenic canal from a dock located behind Cook’sTavern to the dock near the Tenant Farm. The Tow Scow tours last approximately 15 minutes and are available starting at 10:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. and after lunch from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to request a coloured wrist band at Admissions to help Village staff be aware that they would like their services.
Visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of everyday 1860s life in the Village watching the horses working in the fields, oxen pulling a wagon or stop in at the bakery and experience the fragrant scent of fresh bread baking in the wood-fired brick oven. Other experiences include touching the wool in the Woollen Mill and the smell of the coal fire and activities at the Blacksmith’s Shop.
A special Upper Canada Village site map is available for visitors at Admissions. The map provides an easy reference for visitors highlighting areas and buildings in the Village with unusual noises and/or smells as well as the location of the quiet areas.
Quiet Areas
Three designated quiet areas have been established:
Discovery Centre in the ship room (ask staff for direction)
Providence Chapel (lift up the half gate and enter)
Barn behind the Physician’s Home
Cushions, blankets, toys and colouring supplies are in a chest in the above noted areas. The Discovery Centre, Crysler Hall, Village Store & Pantry, Harvest Barn Restaurant and Willard’s Hotel (restaurant) are all air conditioned areas.
Guests to Upper Canada Village are welcome to bring their own lunch or snacks and enjoy a picnic in several areas around the Village.
