Accessibility Unlocked 2025: Full Schedule

Welcome to the Association for Science and Discovery Centre’s Accessibility Unlocked event!

This event is dedicated to making small changes for a big impact - everyone, no matter where they are placed within an organisation - can make a difference to accessibility. The foundational mission of all science and discovery centres and museums is to share science with everyone. As organisations built on outreach, providing accessible spaces, programmes and opportunities to engage with STEM is vital for us to achieve this mission.

We welcome ASDC members and non-members to this event, with ticket options for everyone.

To register for the event, visit: https://www.sciencecentres.org.uk/events/accessibility-unlocked/

9:30am BST

Welcome from the ASDC and WSC: Accessibility Unlocked

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:30am - 9:45am BST

Planetarium

Speakers

Ben Ward

CEO, Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium

Shaaron Leverment

Chief Executive, Association for Science and Discovery Centres

Shaaron is the CEO of ASDC and has over 20 years' experience working in science engagement and education. She stands for the value of science centres and museums for social good, as community assets that are accessible and relevant for a more diverse public.Shaaron joined ASDC in... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:30am - 9:45am BST
Planetarium Winchester Science Centre

Planetarium

9:45am BST

Keynote: Cultivating Inclusive STEM Engagement: Lessons from Wildflower Meadows

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am BST

Planetarium

Opening the conference, Jeff Banks, CEO of Lightyear Foundation, examines the progressive steps required to build truly inclusive STEM opportunities for all - in our physical spaces, education, outreach and community engagement programmes - emphasising the critical role of reflection, shared learning, and collaborative action. He will take us on a journey, weaving together insights ranging from the conditions needed for a wildflower meadow to thrive, to Maslow’s Four Stages of Competence, challenging us to see accessibility not as a fixed goal but as continuous process of learning and re-learning, adapting to new conditions, and cultivating the right environment for change to happen. Jeff brings decades of experience in accessible education and community development, shaped by his own lived experience of disability and, more recently, deafness. A passionate advocate for truly inclusive environments, he combines insight with practical action - and for a bit of fun, delegates will even get the chance to learn a few basic signs along the way.

Speakers

Jeff Banks

CEO, Lightyear Foundation

Jeff Banks has led voluntary and community sector organisations for over thirty years, driving change across health, education, and social care. His work is rooted in equality, human rights, and creating truly inclusive environments. He has led several disabled-led organisations and... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am BST
Planetarium Winchester Science Centre

Planetarium

Company Lightyear

3:45pm BST

Winchester Science Centre: Science and Nature exploration with early years and children with SEND

Wednesday May 7, 2025 3:45pm - 4:15pm BST

Planetarium

Winchester Science Centre: Science and Nature exploration with early years and children with SEND, organisational learning case study with Dr Kay McCrann (scientist and artist) /Jo Hennessy (Wonderseekers' Director of Experiences)

Speakers

Dr Kay McCrann

Jo Hennessy

Director of Experiences, Wonderseekers

Wednesday May 7, 2025 3:45pm - 4:15pm BST
Planetarium Winchester Science Centre

Planetarium

4:15pm BST

Reflections and thanks

Wednesday May 7, 2025 4:15pm - 4:30pm BST

Planetarium

Speakers

Dr Jamie Gallagher

Director, Impact Through Engagement LtD

Shaaron Leverment

Chief Executive, Association for Science and Discovery Centres

Wednesday May 7, 2025 4:15pm - 4:30pm BST
Planetarium Winchester Science Centre

Planetarium