iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

The NPHT is proud to champion truly inclusive workplaces. In 2023, we launched our 'becoming seamlessly inclusive' strategy which included a programme which sought to address a distinct lack of employment opportunities for disabled people in our local area. ♿ #ParalympicHeritage #NIW2025 🏛️🎓

121

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Tommaths (he/him) @teakayb.mathsy.space · 11/09/2025

If you're at #GEMConference2025 representing a museum/gallery/etc in Leeds I'd love to talk to you about a project I've got funding for... (If you're not at the conference and you fit the rest of the description I'd love to talk to you too!)

022

Emily Elsworth @emilyautism.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

On my way to @gem.org.uk Conference! Looking forward to 3 days of hearing from amazing speakers and catching up with everyone! Please do come and say hello if you are there. #GEMConference2025

042

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Shannen Johnson @shannenjjohnson.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

It's #GEMConference2025 eve! The team are busy prepping for and we are so excited to welcome delegates tomorrow! Who is joining us?

A photo of programmes, tote bags and bookmarks being prepped for conference

1135

Emily Elsworth @emilyautism.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Today I have been busy preparing my presentation for the @gem.org.uk conference next week! Looking forward to seeing everyone there and sharing about widening access for autistic audiences! #GEMConference2025

031

Emily Elsworth @emilyautism.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

Everyone is responsible for accessibility. Not just those with access in their job title. Not just people with lived experience who may have been pressured to advise on access. Everyone. #Accessibility #Museums #LivedExperience 🏛🎓

010

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

📢 We’re Hiring! 📢 Role: Learning Consultant 🏛️🎓 Aim: To develop an accessible, curriculum-based, KS2 resource for our Global Virtual Museum. Project Dates: Sept to Nov Budget: £1,200 Apply by: Friday 29th August 2025 For more info & to apply, visit: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/learnin...

264

Emily Elsworth @emilyautism.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

I love these gallery maps at Leeds City Museum. They are great for preparing you for what to expect and explains any access resources. Previous maps even included content and trigger warnings for specific areas. Such a simple way to embed accessibility into exhibitions. #Museums #Access 🏛🎓

Photo of a gallery maps for Miffy on a yellow background. The map shows the areas of the gallery including Dick Bruna, miffy in the tent, miffy goes to stay, miffy at school and miffy and friends. Text next to the map reads, 'Gallery map, Please use this map to help you access the exhibition. This map labels what you can expect to see. Seating is available and additional portable stools can be found outside the entrance to use in the exhibition space. Sometimes thtis gallery will be loud as we encourage both children and adults to interact in this space. Please ask a member of staff if you would like to borrow ear defenders. We have large print exhibition text available and also have a magnifying glasses available to help read labels, again please ask a member of staff.'

060

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

GEM (Group for Education in Museums) @gem.org.uk · 31/07/2025

📣 Exciting GEM News! £30k Awarded to Action Research Exploring Inclusive Career Pathways in Museums. To find out the seven museums that have been selected to participate in their new Inclusive Pathways Action Research Programme, click below! 🔗 gem.org.uk/our-work/gem... #GEM #inclusivepathways

A graphic- on the left, a purple background with the research innitiative title on it and the ACE and GEM logos. On the right, an image of a man holding an object and a brush smiles at the camera,

042

Emily Elsworth @emilyautism.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

Hello everyone, it has been a while so thought I would reintroduce myself! I'm Emily, an access consultant supporting museums to increase accessibility for neurodivergent visitors and staff delivered from the lived experience perspective. #Neurodivergence #Museums 🏛🎓

Photo of Emily, a white woman with shoulder length brown hair and glasses. She is wearing a white top with a strawberry pattern, sat on a blue chair with a white wall behind her.

190

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

GEM (Group for Education in Museums) @gem.org.uk · 25/07/2025

✨ Creating inclusive career pathways for young people Join Kids in Museums and #GEM for an informal virtual briefing and discussion session about pathways for young people in museums. 📅 Tuesday 30 September, 2pm - 3.30pm 📍 Online 🔗 Book your place: kids-in-museums.cademy.io/creating-inc... #GEM

On the left, a blue background with the KIM and GEM logos and the title of the session. Onthe right, an image of two young school children in a museum space.

012

Emily Elsworth @emilyautism.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

All ready for @glamcares.bsky.social conference today! Looking forward to hearing from all the speakers on the line up. #GLAMCares2025

020

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Kate Fellows @katehfellows.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

So excited that @leedsmuseums.bsky.social Abbey House Museum have been shortlisted for a @kidsinmuseums.bsky.social award! Congrats to everyone shortlisted! Woo hooo! #FamilyFriendlyMuseum #museumlearning #museum

052

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Kids in Museums @kidsinmuseums.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

🎉 The wait is over! Meet the Family Friendly Museum Award 2025 shortlist🏆 From free, hands on activities to co-designed inclusive resources, these museums are going above and beyond to ensure a great experience for their family visitors. Explore the shortlist: kidsinmuseums.org.uk/2025/06/disc...

kidsinmuseums.org.uk

Discover the UK’s best museums for families this summer - Kids in Museums

18 museums are in the running to be named the UK’s Best Family Friendly Museum.

0126

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Tommaths (he/him) @teakayb.mathsy.space · 23/06/2025

Good morning #museums, #galleries & #heritage sites of the UK! Your challenge for today is to search for "maths week [country you're based in]", put the dates in your calendar & start thinking about how you can get involved! (If you're already planning something, tell me about it!) 🏛️🎓 #MathsToday

023

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

We're in the @gem.org.uk magazine: 'Career Pathways in Museums' Find our case study: 'Diversifying the Workforce', focussing on opportunities for disabled & neurodiverse people, through placements & traineeships #MuseumEd Read about the aims, obstacles & outcomes on p22! gem.org.uk/wp-content/u...

A screenshot of the NPHT's double-page case study inside the GEM 'Career Pathways in Museums' magazine issue. There are two photographs, one of a trainee taking objects out of an archive box, and another of a trainee pictured with our handling table.

142

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

GEM (Group for Education in Museums) @gem.org.uk · 19/06/2025

📣 Calling all freelancers! Join Dr. Laura Crossley, workplace culture specialist and freelance arts consultant, and explore ways of navigating the challenges presented by freelance work. 📅 Wednesday, July 2, 10 - 11:30am 📍 Online 🔗 Sign up: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/freelancer...

On the left, a red background with the workshop title and details. On the right, an image of three women sitting ona bench outside. They wear lanyards and laugh.

053

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

GEM (Group for Education in Museums) @gem.org.uk · 09/06/2025

📣 FREE Online Session: Museum Learning and AI 📣 Join GEM and Jonathan Munro, Digital Learning Officer, Leeds Museums and Galleries, to discuss the potential uses of AI in museum learning. 📅 Tuesday, 22nd July, 11 – 12 📍 Online 🔗 Find out more: gem.org.uk/event/museum... #GEM #Museumlearning #AI

On the left, a yellow background with the title of the session. On the right, an image of a black pen and keyboard on a white background.

022

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

GEM (Group for Education in Museums) @gem.org.uk · 27/05/2025

✨GEM Workshop: Community and Co-Design✨ Are you looking to effectively engage with communities? Join GEM and Beloved Adonai for a workshop on how to create sustainable partnerships. 📆 Tuesday, June 17, 10am - 12pm 📍Online 🔗 Book your place: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gem-worksh... #GEM#museumlearning

087

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

GEM (Group for Education in Museums) @gem.org.uk · 22/05/2025

📣 Call for Proposals 📣 Case Studies #35: The Sensational Museum If you have embraced a multi-sensory approach, we invite you to share your experience. ⏱️ Proposal Deadline: Monday, 26th May. 🔗 For more information visit: gem.org.uk/our-work/pub... #GEM #sensationalmuseum #GEMcasestudies

012

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

GEM (Group for Education in Museums) @gem.org.uk · 19/05/2025

🌟 Happy Creativity & Wellbeing Week, 2025 🌟 As part of #CreativityandWellbeingWeek, we’re reflecting on the important ways museums and heritage learning contribute to mental wellbeing and social inclusivity. 🔗 To find out more, visit our website: gem.org.uk #creativehealth #newhorizons

gem.org.uk

Home - GEM

The membership-based organisation for those who are interested in excellence in museums and heritage education. Educators of all levels are welcome.

032

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Kids in Museums @kidsinmuseums.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

📣 New funding opportunity @gem.org.uk is offering grants up to £5,000 for projects that remove barriers to work experience and create inclusive pathways. Application deadline: 7 July. Find out more about applying 👉 gem.org.uk/our-work/gem...

0146

Emily Elsworth @emilyautism.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

I'm really looking forward to attending the @museumsandheritage.com show! Looking forward to catching up, meeting new people and listening to some amazing speakers! Also happy to chat access for neurodivergent audiences! Please come say hello! #Museums #MuseumEd #Access

1102

Emily Elsworth @emilyautism.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

It was an honour today to attend and speak at @museumsassociation.org 'All Inclusive: Championing Accessible Museums'. Thank you to everyone who came along and to everyone who shared so openly both speakers and attendees! #AllInclusive #Museums #Accessibility 🎓🏛

A photo of Emily, a white woman with shoulder length brown hair and glasses. She is wearing a pink dress with a white and yellow pattern. Behind her is a white wardrobe with purple boxes and two purple cat ornaments on top.

190

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Shannen Johnson @shannenjjohnson.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

Thank you to @teakayb.mathsy.space for providing some training on how to use BlueSky for @gem.org.uk area reps yesterday - I learned a lot too! Let's hope we can continue to build the learning #MuseumEd community on here! #MuseumLearning #GEM

122

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Shannen Johnson @shannenjjohnson.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

Last few days to submit your proposals for GEM Conference 2025! #GEM #MuseumLearning #MusEd

012

Emily Elsworth @emilyautism.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

I am really looking forward to speaking at this event on 7th May alongside some incredible people. I will be there talking all things access audits!

063

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

GEM (Group for Education in Museums) @gem.org.uk · 17/04/2025

There’s still time to apply to be part of GEM Conference 2025: Sustaining our Practice, Sustaining Our World. If you would like to deliver a presentations or workshop, please submit a proposal by Monday 28 April 2025. Find out more: gem.org.uk/training-and... #GEM #museumlearning #GEMconference

034

Emily Elsworth @emilyautism.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

It's #NationalPetDay so here is my cat, Tilly. She likes to 'help' me when I'm working and loves to introduce herself in an online meeting!

Photo of Tilly, a white and black cat, laid on her side on a carpet. She has her front paws curled up.

040

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

GEM (Group for Education in Museums) @gem.org.uk · 10/04/2025

Accessible Interpretation in Practice is now open for booking. Are you a learning professional looking to develop your inclusive museum practices? Book now! 📆 Mondays on 9th, 16th, 23rd June 2025, 10am – 12:30pm 📍 Online 🔗 gem.org.uk/training-and... #GEM #MuseumLearning #AccessibleInterpretation

gem.org.uk

Accessible Interpretation in Practice - GEM

012

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Museum Education Roundtable @museumedrt.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

Hello Bluesky! Follow us for updates from the Journal of Museum Education, innovations in the field of museum education, and general love for the museum educators out there doing the hard work of making museum learning accessible!

0229

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Museums Association @museumsassociation.org · 07/04/2025

How can museums become anti-ableist in everything that they do? Come to All Inclusive to hear provocations, case studies and panel discussions and discover what an anti-ableist museum might look like in practice, how to challenge and dismantle ableism in your museum, and much more. Book from £36 👇

museumsassociation.org

All Inclusive: Championing Accessible Museums - Museums Association

Ableism – prioritising the needs of non-disabled people over disabled people – remains pervasive across the museum sector. Disabled people …

0142

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

Join us for a sensory storytime this Easter half-term, where we'll be diving into the children's picture book, Splash! 📆 Thursday 10th April, 11am-Noon 📍 National Paralympic Heritage Centre, Stoke Mandeville Stadium 💵 FREE For more visit: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/Event/making... #MuseumEd ♿

The following phrase is accompanied by Widgit symbols:
Storytime at the National Paralympic Heritage Trust
Sensory Play & Craft Activities
10th April
11 until 12

A NPHT volunteer reads to two young girls

033

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

GEM (Group for Education in Museums) @gem.org.uk · 24/03/2025

📣 Call for proposals! Case Studies #35, The Sensational Museum. Have you experimented with innovative ways of engaging different #senses in #museums? Or used insights from disability-led practice to transform your work? We'd like to hear from you. Learn more: gem.org.uk/our-work/pub... #GEM

055

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Shannen Johnson @shannenjjohnson.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

Proud of my friend @emilyautism.bsky.social for delivering a brilliant workshop at #AccessInMuseums conference. I think you're authentically enthusiastic and you're also pretty funny! Thank you for sharing your experience and giving practical advice for how we can support neurodivergent people

152

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

UK Disability History and Heritage Hub @ukdishisthub.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

CFP alert: Continuing on from the success of our 2024 in-person event, we are thrilled to announce that we are running a virtual event for 2025! This will be taking place on the 25th June 2025, on Zoom. Deadline to submit your ideas is: 11th April 2025! #DisHist #CFP

Poster for the Call for Presenters for UKDHHH's 2025 Connecting + Sharing event, which is taking place on Wednesday 25th June 2025, on Zoom.

Text reads:
Our goal is to build networks amongst academic and independent researchers, museum and archive professionals and volunteers, creative practitioners, and activists and community groups.
We are open to a range of presentation styles, topics, focuses and lengths - as long as your idea relates to the histories and lives of Disabled, Neurodivergent and Deaf people, we are interested! This event will be focussed around the theme of ‘Disability history through space and time.’

Topics may include:
Disability histories (any time period)
Physical space / access
Crip time / spaces
Disability representation in media
The future of disability histories
Disability histories in museum, university or community spaces

We welcome diverse presentation formats. Please note your preferred type: 15-minute paper
5-minute presentation
Workshops or conversation/interview sessions (30 mins)
Creative presentations or performances (30 mins)

Submit a short summary (around 200 words) and a bit about you/your organisation (around 100 words) in text or as a video (maximum 3 minutes)

Deadline: 11th April 2025

12915

Emily Elsworth @emilyautism.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

Please don't tell someone who is autistic, otherwise neurodivergent or disabled that they are not trying hard enough. You have no idea how hard we have to fight everyday! #Autism #Neurodivergent #Disability

0102

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Art UK @artukdotorg.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Museums and galleries 📣 Would you like to improve your digital skills? We’re looking for 20 collections in England that want to improve their digital skills in storytelling, marketing, and audience engagement. Find out more and sign up 👉 artuk.org/about/digita...

01210

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Cheshire Cat ᓚᘏᗢ, @autismsupsoc.bsky.social · 09/03/2025

I saw some discussion about the *origin* of Alt text. TMK, Alt text *started* as an HTML tag to address unavailable images for a slow & fragile internet in the early 90’s. It *became* a critical accessibility feature shortly after. Alt text: 1993 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines: 1999 📓:Wix

History of alt text
Initially, alt text served as a simple description for images when internet speeds were slow, and images took a long time to load. This allowed users to understand the content without waiting for all visual elements to appear. Over time, its importance grew as a tool for web accessibility.
As the internet evolved, so did the functionality and significance of alt text. With advancements in web standards and increased awareness about inclusivity, alt text became a critical website infrastructure feature that ensures all users have equal access to information. It has transformed from being just an alternative for slow-loading images to an essential component of web

2307

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Colchester Museums @colmuseums.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

Join us for our next #TeacherAssociatesGroup Meeting at Colchester Castle on Tuesday, 25th March. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow educators, gain insights into our upcoming exhibition, and help shape the museum’s school resources. Book your place at: buff.ly/3Xn4zbn

A digital flyer invites teachers and educators in Colchester and the surrounding area to attend the next Teacher Associates Group Meeting (formerly the Teacher Advisory Panel). The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 25th March 2025, from 3.45 to 4.45 pm at Colchester Castle.

033

Emily Elsworth @emilyautism.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

In support of #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek I've extended the opportunity to complete this short survey. All responses will support my ongoing Developing Your Creative Practice project looking at neurodivergent access in museums. The survey can be found here: forms.gle/4WwugMBpmv3P... 🏛️🎓

011

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

GEM (Group for Education in Museums) @gem.org.uk · 27/02/2025

📢NOMINATIONS OPEN! Kids in Museums are starting their search for the next winner of the #FamilyFriendlyMuseum Award. If your museum is fab for families, excellent at access, or is running great projects with young people, take a look at how to enter: kidsinmuseums.org.uk/what-we-do/f...

kidsinmuseums.org.uk

Family Friendly Museum Award - Kids in Museums

Our Family Friendly Museum Award celebrates museums, galleries and heritage attractions that go the extra mile to provide an excellent family friendly experience.

087

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Dr Aimée Fletcher (@aimee_speaks) @aimeespeaks.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

Hello #museums! I have been working on a book chapter about museum learning for neurodivergent people (lifelong learning) for a little while. As part of this chapter, I am sharing some examples of good practice, and I would love to hear about any projects you think should be highlighted.

2128

Emily Elsworth @emilyautism.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

Great session hosted by @gem-heritage.bsky.social on Inclusive Pathways this morning. It was good to hear from those working on projects as well as the powerful lived experiences of those involved. Thank you everyone for sharing! #Inclusion

020

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Tammy Everts 🍁 @tammyeverts.com · 10/02/2025

#a11y tip: If you want to avoid your next facepalm moment when you realize you’ve forgotten to include alt text for the image in your post, Bluesky has a solution in Settings > Accessibility.

Screenshot of the Bluesky Settings > Accessibility page, which gives you the option to toggle on “Require alt text before posting” and “Display larger alt text badges”.

1163

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Emily Katy @itsemilykaty.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

If you’re an autistic person and you feel that you experience an autistic trait differently to the way everyone else seems to experience it, that doesn’t mean your experience isn’t valid or that you are any less autistic. ❤️

520517

Reposted by Emily Elsworth

Kids in Museums @kidsinmuseums.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

📣 Read on for some big news from Kids in Museums! It's been a fantastic day at #RethinkingMuseums, our online conference. We've explored some brilliant practice across the sector, including... [1/4]

152