Tip
First buy your tickets for the low-stimulus day via this page. Don’t finalise your order yet, but go back to the overview. Then click on the workshop you would like to take part in and select a time slot. That way, you only have to enter your details once and you’ll receive all your tickets (for admission and for the workshops) in one email. Of course, you can do it the other way round too: first book your workshop and then buy your tickets.
What can you expect?
Fewer stimuli, more enjoyment
Stimulus-sensitive children and adults don’t feel safe in a place with too many stimuli. So we try to reduce the number of stimuli in as many ways as we can.
We limit visitor numbers to 250 and dim the light and sound as much as possible. For instance, we switch off the public address system and (where possible) the screens.
Roadmap and stimulus basket
Our exhibition area is one large open space. That means a lot of stimuli, but at the same time it gives a sense of an overview. Which is why we don’t have clearly defined zones.
As additional support, that day we provide a visual roadmap (available in Dutch) and a stimulus basket containing items such as sunglasses, gloves, fidget toys, etc. to block unwanted stimuli.
Is it all getting too much?
We understand completely. We have provided low-stimulus rest areas with teepees where people can take refuge, books to read (aloud) and weighted cuddly toys to help people catch their breath.
Our staff are also given training about autism and they keep an extra eye on things on low-stimulus day.
Enjoy a customised range
Adapted demo and show (in Dutch)
Booking not required
You can follow an adapted version of the demo De wolkenmaker (The cloud maker) with headphones in our exhibition area (from age 6). We do tests with dry ice during this demo.
In addition, you can watch the low-stimulus version of Maar natuurlijk! (But naturally!), a show about all sorts of fascinating natural phenomena (from age 4).
On the programme
| 1 pm — 1.15 pm | De wolkenmaker demo |
| 1.30 pm — 2 pm | Maar natuurlijk! show |
| 3 pm — 3.15 pm | De wolkenmaker demo |
| 3.30 pm — 4 pm | Maar natuurlijk! show |
Why a low-stimulus day?
Because everyone has the right to a chance to find out how much fun science and technology are, including children and adults who have difficulty processing stimuli. During the low-stimulus day, we do our best to create an environment where everyone can feel safe.
Who can take part?
Everyone who needs a low-stimulus environment to be able to enjoy an outing to Technopolis and one or more companions.
Get your tickets on time
We deliberately limit visitor numbers. To be sure that there is still room, it is best to buy your tickets online now. Companions need a ticket as well.
Right to free admission?
Add a free ticket (subscribers, people who already have a valid ticket, etc.) to your order via the ticket module.
We give free admission to one companion:
- per wheelchair user or blind person
- per two disabled visitors if they do not use a wheelchair or are not blind.
We learn too
Wednesday, 4 October will be our very first low-stimulus day. That means that we, too, will learn lessons from it. If you already have suggestions to make, pass them on to Marian Michielsen via marian.michielsen@technopolis.be.
If our low-stimulus day proves to be a success, we would be pleased to organise it several times per year, including on other occasions. Be sure to complete the survey afterwards to stay informed of our low-stimulus range.
About processing stimuli
In our daily lives a lot of stimuli have to be processed. They are often experienced as normal. But if the brain is unable to process these stimuli simultaneously, information processing problems arise. This can lead to all sorts of issues, such as difficulty concentrating, anxiety or over-stimulation.
People with non-congenital brain damage and people with ASD often benefit from low-stimulus environments. People with ADHD or epilepsy, or those recovering from a stroke, burn-out, concussion or cerebral infarction have more difficulty processing stimuli as well.
Thank you to everyone who plays the National Lottery
Thanks to them, the National Lottery is supporting the first low-stimulus day at Technopolis.
