Discovery Museum Announces Upcoming Free Events in 2024 for Visitors With Disabilities
ACTON - Discovery Museum announced upcoming dates for the Especially for Me series of free events for families and groups with members who may have a disability, including sensory sensitivities, are visually impaired and/or hard of hearing.
The popular program offers accommodations that increase access to and enjoyment of the Museum. Because admission is free, families may come and go based on their needs without concern for cost. Visitors also have the chance to meet others in similar circumstances, thereby reducing feelings of isolation and judgement by others often described by families dealing with special needs. A medical diagnosis is not required to attend.
Discovery Museum is ADA-compliant and all exhibits are accessible, designed according to Universal Design principles to be both aesthetically pleasing and usable by the widest possible range of people, without regard to age or ability.
Special resources are always available to use including noise-reducing headphones, a Social Story Guide in six languages, a sensory map to the Museum, and a designated “Take a Break” space. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters may be requested during registration. Parking is always free and dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided at all evening events.
All Especially for Me events are free to attend, but preregistration is required. Dates and registration links can be found online at http://bit.ly/EspeciallyforMe. Registration generally opens up 4 to 6 weeks in advance of each event.
Questions, comments, or concerns about these events can be sent to sheilman [at] discoveryacton.org.
January - June 2024 Event Schedule (July - December to be announced later.)
Sensory-Friendly Afternoons
Visit when we’re open to the public, but lower visitation is expected. Tuesdays 1:30 - 4:30 pm:
January 9, February 6, March 12, April 2, May 7, June 4
Special Evenings
Visit when the museum is closed to the public. Dinner (including gluten-free option) provided. Saturdays 5:00 - 8:00pm:
All Access Evening - April 27
Autism-friendly Evenings - January 6, March 9, June 15
Evening for Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind - February 10
Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind - March 23
Sensory-friendly Evening for Visitors 18+ - April 6
Especially for Me is part of the museum’s Open Door Connections program to provide opportunities for those who face a variety of barriers—financial, developmental, or cultural—to experience the Museum.
Especially for Me is made possible by Alexion Charitable Foundation and Orville W. Forté Charitable Foundation, with additional support from Ameriprise Financial, Inc., Corning Incorporated Foundation, DCU for Kids, and Nypro, Inc.